There’s something about band names made from numbers that I’m opposed to unless of course they can justify it with a deeper meaning. IXXI’s label-mates 1349 are the only example I can think of presently, whose moniker happens to hold a very morbid explanation. After a little research, I came across this rather interesting explanation, taken from a Mortem Zine interview with vocalist Totalscorn:
“I suppose you could say the Roman numerals aren’t much more than pure stylistic preference, whereas the numbers 9 and 11 on each account touch base with concepts that we very much portray in our ideology – for example ´the Eleven Blades´ will be a known concept to some (truly) Satanic scholars, while the ´level Nine´ is another concept for spiritual nihilists. Thus, IX.XI and its name, as far as the line-up is concerned, represent a merge, or a ´meet-half-way´ between on the one hand myself (a once devout nihilist) and Acerbus (a once devout devil-worshipper of the first degree).”
‘Elect Darkness’ is an entirely modern approach to Black Metal, and therefore doesn’t abide by the rules whatsoever. It’s (obviously) Black, catchy, and has hooks and riffs galore. In this way I’d liken them to Machine Head who as most of us know, have a very accessible and crowd-friendly sound. In a Black Metal context, Shining comparisons are the most notable, whilst the undeniably unique style of Secrets of the Moon can be vaguely traced, not in sound as such, but by the way Black Metal has been honed into the metallic riff structure.
‘Sinrush’ is one of the catchiest songs I’ve heard in a long time, beginning with slowly squealing guitars and a gradually thumping beat which develops into an incredibly bouncy verse, full of vigour and croaky snarling. To be honest this at first took me aback, wondering if this kind of thing was really allowed in Black Metal, but to Hell with it! How is the genre suppose to survive without constant new ideas, and besides, it definitely grows on you listen after listen.
‘Enthusiasm’ (mmm, a strange title), is the first track which sounds distinctly ‘Black’, exhibiting the kind of melancholic but fairly melodic tune and semi blast you’d expect from a band of this genre. Opening with the kind of chord one may associate with Virus, ringing out for a moment before all is swept away by blasting. I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t my personal pick from this record, as the melancholia and chunky riffage are undoubtedly a winning combination. The relatively modest blast-beats also make a welcome change now and then from the drum annihilation many bands strive for.
Shining come straight to mind for the opening of ‘Eastern Minions’, ‘The Eerie Cold’ being the specific album, but the song in general isn’t half as dark and becomes much slower and more melodious for verses.
IXXI are aiming to tread their own ground, and to a certain extent they are; however, bands like the aforementioned two rise above in terms of musical originality, though that is not to say ‘Elect Darkness’ isn’t a worthwhile contribution to the modern wolf pack. It just doesn’t feel as powerful or evocative.
http://www.myspace.com/ixxiofficial
http://www.candlelightrecords.co.uk
