The Austrian Post-Black dynamic duo returns after 2016's fantastic "III: Trauma" which had some great tunes such as the fan favorite: "The Traces We Leave". This album intertwines the styles of Melodic Death Metal and Post-Black Metal. The two styles are which the band excels at. This is their fourth album to date, their best in my views. The Austrian's may not need to have just one sound, the more fluid they sound, the better it is for us. They have influences throughout that you will have heard before, but not mimicking any one band, nor imitating a style that is not their own. They are their own band, if that's not good enough for you, then get out of their way!

"The Graves We've Dug" partakes an upbeat start before the shadowy vocals kick in. The vocals are inverted from the beat itself, working very well. You never get the feeling that either M.S or J.J are trying to outdo one another, both working harmoniously together. The beat from M.S is less Post-Black Metal sounding, more modern Melodic Death Metal, kicking hard to escape the darkness, not that this is a bad thing at all, it bring complexity and equilibrium to a growing band. The vocal tempo is steady enough to allow you appreciate what's going on here, a synthesis of melody suits the song. The vocal styles are progressive, not that it doesn't feel like they never get going; but instead are the inverted grace of the instrumental melody, not quite in the background, but in the back enough to enjoy everything that your ears can hear. A fantastic impact all round. The Piano is a nice addition, it keeps the ambience flowing well.

SONG OF THE ALBUM RIGHT HERE:

"You Are the Scars" picks up with the piano exactly where "T.G.W.D" left us off, a good trait to use on any album. J.J seems to be involved more with his own sound from the start, his raw power is cascading through the sound of smooth guitar. The song, again has its Melodic Death Metal influences from the instrumentalist. It allows the song to build, but it is kept under control, as if M.S is flirting with you, showing what he can do, but teasing you by not taking the next step, which would be an explosion of beautiful noise. J.J is using a harder approach here, the vocals are less in the background, he isn't in your face, but you are aware that his presence is around you. The buildup is more structured this time, the duo have found their rhythm perfectly. They are progressing through the gears, without going into cruise control, they are happy to keep control of their sound at all times. The solos are fantastic, the use of them is perfect. The overall sound has a dark beauty to it.

"Heroin Waltz" is more Post-Black Metal more the start. J.J has a chilling scream to great us as him welcoming to the song. The vocals are rougher, rawer, and deeper. A good change in styles, allowing you not only to appreciate the melodic influences from before, but now enjoying the heavier beat, the sound that has more Darkthrone feel to it, than At The Gates. The beat is faster, the drummers are hit harder. It's more than you were expecting. Like a heroin waltz, it's not what you expected, but the ride is awesome, you feel slightly trippy, but want to see where you end up. Another song whose length extends 9 minutes, but you never feel that it goes on longer than you want or need it to.

"Tomb Omnia" presents us with another hard hitting start from J.J, by this point in the album, he is truly in form. The style is matched by M.S who shows that he can truly keep up with whatever is thrown at him, you never get the feeling that either band member are more important than the other. The melody is nicely balanced again, several Melodic Death Metal styles, but with cagey Black Metal outbursts to keep you on your toes. Equilibrium is key, we have had 2 different styles in previous songs, this song gels them together. The glue that holds this album in place. You get the idea that the band know exactly what they are doing, what they are aiming for and what they are hitting.

For fans of: DEAFHEAVEN, FEN, SHINING