The artist known simply as W. may not reveal much in the way of an identity, but their musty Black Metal outfit Uprising hits the mark on so many different occasions on III (AOP Records). The strong synergy results in songs that sound like they’re performed by an entire band.

Tackling guitars, bass, and vocals, W. penned six tracks that are fiercely fuck-the-system while at the same time sounding remarkably tight and wonderfully harmonized. The presser refreshingly states, “From social injustice to raging hymns advocating climate protection, Uprising stay true to their moniker and show again that Black Metal can be relevant to society.”

Relevant in a positive way this time. 

The opener “Eternal Mantra” surprisingly brings damn-good groove tendencies and elements that are bolstered by hellacious drums performed by Austin Lunn (Panopticon). The finished product becomes as satisfying as it is apt, featuring news clips that call out billionaires and their increased fortunes particularly during the pandemic, while the rest of the population was struggling to even find toilet paper.

Another surprise came on “Uprise III.” A sustained riff/melody creates a favorable mood indeed before clean vocals emerge, but in a way that feels completely organic and belonging. It was yet another suitable and invigorating call-to-arms track.

“A Message To Hypocrites” shows how well the pair interacts. Percussions and shouts work together to jumpstart a tempo shift quite nicely. 

Oh, and there’s an outro that builds up heroically at the end of “Raise A Glass,” which, contrary to what one might think, is not as easy to make work as it sounds.

There’s a lot to enjoy with III. The brand of Black Metal is intensely guided and deliberately precise, resulting in a record which is able to simultaneously stick it to the man and exude credibility in the process. 

Buy the album here:
https://linktr.ee/aoprec

8 / 10
MATT COOK