Friday, July 15, 2011

Altar of Plagues-White Tombs (2009)


I hate whispers, especially when used in a musical context. It's my least favorite sound. Breathy, wretched lazy sound effects, a cheap way to convey a subdued and creepy mood. I was really getting into this dark gem, when the third song popped up and ruined the album for me. Perhaps I'm closed minded, but I see metal as a refuge from softness. I can only take a few varieties of soft, but something about the forced intimacy make me recoil and reach for the skip button. Otherwise, this is dark, bleak, and progressive black metal affair. This band is basically an Irish version of Wolves In The Throne Room; 4 very long songs, evoking many dark moods, many shades of evil. It's a journey through parts unknown of a personal hell I simply did not want to descend all the way into. You may want to go there if so inclined. Meh.

Rating: 6 out of 10

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