I have Advanced Placement testing soon. It's a big one. What should I do? If you answered "study for the damn test so you earn college credit," your heart is in the right place, but your logic is flawed. The correct answer is "disregard both studying and any recently received promos to write about a random Austrian black metal project's demo tape." Rakta Tṛtīya Netra, Ishtruz Maya's solo atmospheric black metal project, has emerged with its ambient head and released its "Demo," which came to my attention due to its stark pink hue and mysterious origins. I couldn't find much information about this release online, but the few daring individuals who have taken a listen have given this demo high regard due to its rawness, melodicism, and esoteric nature.

Atmospheric black metal is by far my favorite black metal subgenre. I can't put my finger on it, but the main reason could concern the heavy use of... atmosphere? I sound ridiculous. What isn't ridiculous is Rakta's "Demo," that--even though I waded through quite a lot of meditative dungeon synth and wispy ambience--left me nodding my head in approval. This record isn't loud, so crank the volume and allow Rakta to guide you through climates both raw and serene. Rakta's rawness mostly comes from the demo's production: muted and low-fidelity. It may be a roadblock for novices, but experienced kvltists will have zero issue sorting through the distortion. Under such textured distortion, hints of second-wave black metal are revealed through soaring, riff-forward opening segments and classic blast beats. Some tracks are clearly influenced more than others by the second wave, mainly the chaotic, synth-laden "Ingwaz." Here, the bombastic drumming and distinct guitar riffs both blend into the background and appear forefront in the mix. Most other songs let the guitar's tones wash into oblivion.

Dungeon synth, a genre under constant speculation on my end, enforces ambience and mood. They take up the opening and closing songs, creating a soothing, spacey introduction and a just-as-spacey act of au revoir. Melodicism is key to making the demo work. The song's melodies provide a smooth, even symphonic listening experience. Epic chord progressions are aplenty, most notably in "Sunyam," the demo's seven-minute beast. While listening (only a twenty-five-minute endeavor), I can't help but wonder where the hell all of these quality black metal projects come from. This is the first I've heard from Austria, and one of the best I've heard in this niche.

It's fun! Rakta doesn't meander to get their point across. I could've used this quarter of an hour to study history, but I did that last night. Do like me, and listen to this "Demo."