Clearly there are a lot of subgenres and styles of Black Metal. I pretty much like them all. As diverse as these styles can be, there is a commonality throughout. Call them motifs, tropes, signatures, nuances, whatever-the point is, some bands mimic and exploit these commonalities, and some explore and venerate them, drawing out of them an aesthetic that is both entrancing and disturbing. And there are a lot of bands like this. It's not too rare or unusual, but when it occurs it deserves to be noted. Canada's OSSUIARE is one such band. Their latest EP, "Triumvirat," was released on December 2, 2021 (yep, a whole preponderance of 1's, 2's, and 0's: 12/02/2021 or 02/12/2021) via Sepulchral Productions.

Technically "Triumvirat" could be a full-length album as it weighs in at over thirty minutes, but I guess with only five tracks, it feels more EP than LP. At any rate, the album is exceptionally well produced (recording by Patrick McDowall, mastering at Tehom Studios). The separation of instrumentation is nice and wide, you can even distinctly hear the bass (gasp!). And I love the way the drums set off like explosions across the sonic equivalent of the night sky-you know, like an amphitheater with ghost chamber echoes.

Thematically, the album centers on "a concept glorifying the journey of the 'Chantre Ardent,' the golden-faced idol who guided a hundred chosen ones to the gates of the Great Rome so they could purge the holy land of its Christianity." The album starts off with an Atmospheric piece. Infused with Gregorian chants and church bells, it runs a scant 1:37 and ends with a disquieting shimmering of literal metal scales. The following four tracks includes the expectant cascade of tremolo riffs, galloping percussion, thundering bass, and banshee vocals. The phrasing comprises a juxtaposition of melody and discord that paradoxically create an uneasy harmony. And this dark artistry is what makes OSSUAIRE so good.

I won't list off best tracks because this isn't that type of album. It's a holistic album that is better digested from beginning to end to fully appreciate the builds and falls, the cascades and crescendos, the despair and triumph. Altogether, "Triumvirat" is another exceptional album from OSSUAIRE. A must-buy for any Black Metal fan.