Myrkr are something of a bolt from the blue, although having said that, Debemur Morti always seem to find bands from hidden pockets, or countries not typically renowned for Black Metal. I suppose with the exception of Primordial, Ireland counts as one of those.
‘Black Illumination’ is a dark, brooding, tempestuous affair that brings wild storms at sea to mind and generally very wet and grim weather. The production has a very thick and prominent guitar sound, with drums falling quite a way back, though not enough to render them defunct. One can still make out what’s going on easily enough.
In many places older Astrofaes come to mind, reminiscent in the, at times, furious delivery, the style of morosely-saturated riffing and the substantially barked vocals. The odd venture into semi-melodic territory with slightly eccentric riff structures also harks back to the Ukrainian Black Metal veterans, although this time more so their newer releases.
‘Flesh’ has some wonderfully memorable riffs festering within it. Sometimes a tad on the miserable side, and now and then something, not uplifting, but really inspiring, appealing and piercing. The vocals are almost growled, complimenting the deep riffs and abyssal atmosphere well.
Whilst for the most past keeping in tune with this dire mood, the songs can sometimes drift by, as if relegated to the back of one’s thoughts, only to be brought immediately back as a gloriously evil tune works its way back to the forefront of the mind. ‘Black Blood of the Wolf’ is slightly guilty of this, though drab would probably be a word to harsh to describe the first couple of minutes.
‘Bound by the Forgotten’ and its walls of piercing riffs to a degree, have the mind thinking along the lines of the drama inflicted by Funeral Mist, thought not in such an intense way. It’s just powerful and very appealing.
‘Black Illumination’ is one of the more impressive Black Metal releases I’ve had thrown my way this year. It’s not pure gold as such, but it certainly makes for a competently created debut with a wealth of darkness and atmosphere.
http://www.myspace.com/blackillumination
http://www.debemur-morti.com
