Selbst - Relatos De Angustia
Release date: 7/8/2020
Label: Debemur Morti Productions
By: J.C.L.
When thinking of black metal, South America is often a forgotten scene. Nonetheless, it is where we find Selbst. Originally hailing from Venezuela, but now localized in Chile, this band's sole member N. has run his band for around 10 years now. With 2 splits, and a demo, EP and a full-length under his belt, it's no newcomer we are speaking of here today, where I will dissect his newest output and second full-length, Relatos De Angustia.
In my preparation of this review, I acquainted myself with Selbst's prior releases, namely the self-titled debut album from 2017. A very mournful affair filled with despair, which mixes atmospheric and depressive elements. I will recommend it for those listeners who will find themselves intrigued by today's album.
Relatos De Angustia starts with an intro-track to set the mood, Praeludium, a slow and melodic piece which serves to draw the listener into the metaphorical fog. Once that is over, "Deafening Wailing Of The Desperate Ones" takes over and ups the tempo. The mood is quite clearly melancholic and many songs have hints from current American and Icelandic black metal bands.
Towards the end of the record the tempo cools a bit, and you are left to draw in the atmosphere. The guitar-work on this record is absolutely fantastic, vibrant and emotion-filled and could easily carry the album to a solid ranking on it's own. Fortunately the drums and vocals are also very impressively handled, and N. really cements himself as a true multi-instrumentalist with this effort.
Towards the end of the record the tempo cools a bit, and you are left to draw in the atmosphere. The guitar-work on this record is absolutely fantastic, vibrant and emotion-filled and could easily carry the album to a solid ranking on it's own. Fortunately the drums and vocals are also very impressively handled, and N. really cements himself as a true multi-instrumentalist with this effort.
Selbst - N.
This album is a treasure trove of amazing moments; The clean vocal harmonies over the lead guitar in the middle of "The Weight Of Breathing" and the latter half of the final track "Let The Pain Run Through" with its amazing guitar-solo and choir-vocals are both welcome additions to the soundscape, and something which makes this record stand out among other black metal records. This is all on top of the "regular" riffs which never feels boring or haphazardly glued on. It feels like there is a coherent movement in this album, it feels large and very dynamic. The mixing and mastering is done by Simón Alvar from Spain, who besides this album only has one other metal album to his credit. It's hard to fathom then which wizardry he has pulled to make this album sound as crisp as it does; Drums are loud and clear, guitars shine all throughout and the bass is also very present.
The artwork is unfortunately quite forgettable, a monochrome picture of what looks like a human figure sculpted from clay, which is either eating or puking an arm. Nothing remarkable nor interesting. This is really just me nitpicking one of the few flaws I found with this album, so take this information at your own discretion
The total sum is a very enjoyable album, which never seems to falter, and keeps delivering one glorious moment after another. It's indisputable proof that black metal are not exclusively limited to Europe and North America, and every once in a while, we are treated to some dynamic and refreshing tones from a forgotten corner of the world.
I give this album
Out of 6
(Link not working? Check Bandcamp instead!)
Favorite tracks: The Depths Of Selfishness, Silent Soul Throes, The Weight Of Breathing, Let The Pain Run Through
Tracklist:
1. Praeludium
2. Deafening Wailing Of The Desperate Ones
3. The Depths Of Selfishness
4. Silent Soul Throes
5. The Weight Of Breathing
6. Sculpting The Dirtiness Of Its Existence
7. Let The Pain Run Through
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