Following on from last years grandiose ‘Mortal Aspirations’ the Ukrainian bard Astaroth is quickly back with this short album or long EP (depending how you look on it) containing four songs and a hidden number. Listening to the two discs back to back I was struck by the atmospheres and nuances contained, reminding a fair bit of the output of countrymen Drudkh, something I had not picked up on when I reviewed the last release. Not that this is overwhelming at all I hasten to add but the subtle progressions are lurking within the framework of Raventale’s own compositions.
The artwork here contains various ancient Egyptian motifs as well as a large moth central to the front cover; it is striking as is the mottled golden colours of the design. There is little information about actual concepts other than this is supposed to show the more depressive side of the project and musically it certainly does that. The first track is entitled ‘Gone’ which is a pretty bleak statement in itself. There is a big sense of loss as the maudlin and heavily fuzzing guitar tones immediately drench you in their misery. The bleak melody is memorable and gorgeous in its misery and heartfelt gruff roars are quick to end the fray. This has trappings of both funeral doom and blackened atmospheric metal and you instantly feel comfortable within its grip. This is an epic number at over the ten minute mark and has plenty of time to submerge you into its murky depths. As the guitars cease there is a funereal neo-classical passage which is soothing and again full of loss as though life itself has gone and only dust remains. Although not as long, the rest of the tracks such as ‘Alone’ are just as packed with depressive tones. This one is a bit more chunky and solid and slowly thunders along with a massive sense of melody behind it reminiscent of the early era from our own Yorkshire trinity and the twists and turns of Katatonia. Voices and background noise can be heard on ‘Youth’ I am guessing it could be playground banter as this stage of life is addressed, the melody rules supreme on this number and vocals are not neither included or even necessary.
If you are feeling in a depressed mode and looking for something nice and dark this disc will definitely deliver the goods. It might be a bit on the short side and could possibly do with another song or two but as for the music already on it there is little to fault and hopefully it won’t be too long before we get more material from the ever enthralling Raventale.
http://www.myspace.com/raventale
