It seems with every listen, Vestiges (Fiadh Productions) has something more somber to offer.

Intraether, the Atmospheric Black Metal outfit responsible for the new album, succeeds in creating distinguishable songs that all still contain a common thread of melancholy and bombast that brings everything together.

Driven not only by a devastatingly robust vocal performance by L. Monsabrell (who, alongside J. Miratge on drums and percussion, rounds out the duo), this record excels at keeping attention, remaining fresh and driving forward.

“Echoes Of A Silent Lament” is chock full of endearing cascading screams throughout. A compelling scene is established that is fueled by a tapestry of musical might.

The vocal production itself becomes scything on “A Shadow Cast On The Void,” presenting near microphone peaks that represent the very edge of sanity and mental breakdown. (Not to mention the violin/stringed intro). 

There is also no shortage of superb progressions. Screams over increasing tempoed rhythms is revitalizing, as is the ever-present danger and turmoil. Coming from someone who toes the line between enjoying Black Metal with certain qualifiers whilst having trouble finding interest in the raw essence of the nineties, Vestiges perfectly bridges that gap and is, in a sense, more digestible.

The closer, “One With The Hollow,” is bustling with energy and pace. Extremely experimental in nature, the song turns into an audio companion for Salvador Dali’s “The Persistence Of Memory.”

The brand of Black Metal that Intraether exhibits here is every bit as tormented and shuttered as it is frantic and disheveled. And with a top-notch performance on the microphone, each individual piece comes together wonderfully in a maelstrom of misanthropy. 

Buy the album here:
https://fiadh.bandcamp.com/album/vestiges

8 / 10
MATT COOK
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