Whilst perhaps not as highly regarded for the genre as the likes of Norway, the United Kingdom does have a formidable pedigree for producing Black Metal, whether that being down to recognisable names such as Cradle Of Filth up to a current and brilliant crop including the likes of Underdark and Dawn Ray’d. Adding to these ranks are the enigmatic The Sun’s Journey Through The Night, led by vividly masked architect No One (and now joined by equally mysterious Corvus, Deimos, and Lune) and quickly growing a formidable reputation following three, contrasting, full-length albums encompassing raw Black Metal and a full ambient release, plus several smaller releases and demos, leading up to this, their fourth full-length and most realised and adventurous work to date.
What is immediately apparent of Worldless (Church Road Records) is the bolstered production from TSJTTN’s roots as a one-person project with a comparative clarity throughout which emphasises its atmosphere and its dynamic without losing their sense of darkness. In fact, Worldless conjures a crestfallen resonance throughout, whether that be through frenzied or minimalist passages. The album opener ‘Abolishing Consciousness’ builds from brooding delicate notes into a droning soundscape before fully revealing into full black metal majesty both blasting and piercing with an air of desperation as opposed to any sense of triumph.
TSJTTN’s previous aspects of ambient music are showcased prominently on Worldless and are as much of their DNA as Black Metal throughout. The title-track as a prime example begins in harsh, chaotic territory before it briefly dives into a contemplative passage and near silence before it erupts into chaotic fashion once again. Whereas ‘Grief, The Star’, at four minutes long, is an entirely minimalist track, bringing to mind images of floating helplessly in chasmic, empty space. Finally, ‘Orion’ proves arguably their most ambitious offering so far. The song veers through contrasting styles throughout its duration, from a furious pace to suddenly dropping to a minimalist, bleak aura. Gradually we hear cinematic strings into almost shoegaze-inspired black metal territory, all the while evoking a heavy weight of despondency.
TSJTTN / No One have become a prolific creative force in a short space of time and shown great strides of increased ambition in that time and it clearly shows on Worldless with a strong sense of diversity and boldness as well as a crushing sense of hopelessness. Whilst a newer band, this feels fully realised and makes Wordless both a rewarding experience and a possible window for even greater things to come.
Another brilliant jewel in the understated crown of British Black Metal.
Buy the album here:
https://churchroadrecords.com/
8 / 10
CHRIS TIPPELL