The Burning Question
Trembling Void
This black metal project called TREMBLING VOID from Canada as they released a demo last year DEMO 1 in 2021. The man behind the music whose name is simply S.D. carries the weight of responsibility to making the music stand the test of time. So we take a closer look into the deep, unwinding black metal soundscape as mysterious sounds awaken the sleeping giant of satanic voices. "Intro" does this as a pulse is heard counting with other surrounding sound effects. Suddenly synthesized vocals conjure an automatic response from all other walks of life where every instrument comes in the battle. It's hard to know what exactly is playing however we can hear long reaching vocals, drums just being heard and maybe noisy guitar racing. "Voiceless Whisper" has the harsh and high end conflict of each part is rather ominous until the drums slow right down.
Vocals very much of the darker, sinister tone as the breath gasps of shrieks of disarray. "Exercises In Futility" with drums booming away as guitar and vocals join forces with guitar somewhat changing pitches subtly. Vocals come and go as they please as they sound very distorted and disturbing. Then as the drums disintegrate and cut out as the guitar also bows out for soundscape leading into "Despair". So much mellow and discord as guitar accents certain notes while vocals are demonic. Even the guitar marks the quarter notes and tends to be like the backbeat as drums do vary or improvise. Drums do certainly contribute very well with more of an audible rhythm. There are even hints of double kick patterns perhaps and then we head into "True Abomination".
A gradual crescendo of more disorganized synth then guitar burping those darker tones as it does ascend in pitch. Drums do play their part and are less pacey but they belt out those cymbal hits thrown in the mix. There is more clarity too as we head into the oncoming storm of all that is waiting. Guitar skimming along as the beating heart of drums goes hand in hand with vocals or guitar. Vocals are distorted as before as there is such complexity and intuition bringing the track into a less hectic section. Guitar and drums leave the track as vocals gradually also diminish. "Inky Black Hallways" is a seven minute compilation of vocals, guitar and drums playing out the black metal sound they have been blaring out. Drums have the momentum that guitar or vocals need to coexist as guitar does vary in pitch.
This does come to a stop eventually as we go into the final track "The Burning Question". Vocals take the lead mostly as drums reserve themselves in the mix. However the backbeat is still in full motion and rides on cymbal rhythm but still keeping a pulse going. There is a haunting passage as gloomy sound effects rise and fall making unusual yet extraneous noises. Then the album closes as we can only imagine the sheer determination of this band even if it is a one-man band. I feel there could be more separation in the mix as everything overlaps so often but there are interesting points too.
6 / 10
Had Potential
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"The Burning Question" Track-listing:
1. Intro
2. Voiceless Whisper
3. Exercise In Futility
4. Despair
5. True Abomination
6. Inky Black Hallways
7. The Burning Question
Trembling Void Lineup:
S.D. - Everything
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