Chernaa – Empyrean Fire (Review)

Chernaa are an international, (Czech Republic/Ukraine/Russia), post-black metal band and this is their debut album.

The promo blurb for this album stated that it was for fans of Deafheaven, Oathbreaker, Wolves in the Throne Room, Wiegedood, and Harakiri for the Sky, so I knew that I had to at least give it a listen. Then, having skimmed through a couple of their videos, I knew I wanted to give the album a proper run through. The full release is 40 minutes long, and even though I’ve now hungrily devoured it, I still want more. Yep, Empyrian Fire is a pretty damn good record.

Chernaa play atmospheric post-black metal that takes influence from the Cascadian scene, as well as including post-metal and blackgaze elements.

There’s a vibrant, emotive core to this album, even when at its most aggressive. The band’s music uses textured melody to help bring their songs to life, and this is combined with a well-developed songwriting skill that’s been put to good use across these seven tracks.

Chernaa structure their songs to make the most of their skills, with resplendent post-metal melodies playing over mid-paced atmospheric sections transitioning to blisteringly aggressive blackened speed, and vice versa, with ease. Although the band play intense, blast beat-driven music really well, it’s good that they also know how to slow down and offer variety and introspection alongside this. Additionally, synths and clean vocals are utilised here and there, although these are more the exception rather than the rule.

The screamed vocals are very expressive, (as is the music as a whole), and the album has a good recording. Overall Empyrean Fire offers up a strong package. Chernaa seem very much to be ones to watch.

Very highly recommended.