Slowly but surely establishing themselves as one of the black metal underground's more reliable stables, 2009 has been a good year indeed for French label Debemur Morti. Having released some excellent works in the last half-a-decade or so by the likes of Tenebrae in Perpetuum and Animus Mortis, their stock has risen considerably in the last months with the triumphant acquisition of both Blut aus Nord and Blood of Kingu. The label's predilection for strict quality control, appropriate aesthetics and sincerity of expression has done well for them thus far, rendering the sight of their distinctive logo a guarantee of excellence - which is why it saddens (and surprises) me to report that this release from their enigmatic countrymen 'Way to End' misses the mark somewhat.
The brand of black metal performed by these devotees is of a technical, 'notey' bent, resplendent with myriad neo-classical flourishes and a multitude of stop-start rhythms. As a result of this, the songs are convoluted and abstract, their many twists and turns requiring several listens to unfathom. Unfortunately, you're unlikely to persevere too long to delve into these jagged sonic mazes as, quite frankly, Way to End seem incapable of penning a riff or hook of worth. It's all well and good nailing your colours to the 'abstract & chaotic' mast but there has to be something behind the intent to give such an approach substance. The shrill, neo-classical 'up-and-down scales' lead lines of 'At the Threshold' are simply tired and fail to captivate, being uncomfortably reminiscent of Abigor's 'Satanized' debacle. Indeed, in terms of their off-kilter structures and busy guitar work, Way to End owe a lot to the aforementioned act, but lack the Austrian's genuine sense of demented otherworldliness. There are too many points on this album where an interesting idea fizzles out or ends up leading nowhere. 'The Worm' for example starts promisingly with some captivating, jagged arpeggiated riffing but fails to build on this, meandering into mid-paced tedium soon after.
If I'm coming across as overly negative in this review, it is predominantly due to frustration more than anything else - I'm a real enthusiast of this style of black metal and it's disappointing when something with promise fails to fulfil expectations. Way to End are capable, certainly, and moments of the album are decent examples of modern, discordant black metal but they are too few and far between for this writer to be able to fully endorse 'Desecrated Internal Journey'. A classic example of good intentions let down by an indifferent execution.
http://www.myspace.com/waytoendmetal
