This is the debut EP from Black Birch, a Swedish black metal band.
Containing 22 minutes of music, Black Birch is an atmospheric black metal release that showcases the very capable talents of this new black metal act in no uncertain terms.
Black Birch play modern black metal that incorporates influences from post-metal and crust. Their sound is one that takes from the old to fuel the new, resulting in songs that captivate with frozen intensity and warm atmospheric depth.
The music is a carefully crafted balance of scathing brutality and mood-rich immersion. Black Birch do well to walk both worlds so easily, and are just as fluent in speaking the language of absorbing atmosphere as they are dark blackened aggression. The melodies are sharp and emotive, helping to drive the music forward with powerful focus. There’s a strongly emotive fury here that’s striking. This is an atmospheric presence driven by force.
The primary vocals are high-pitched and serrated, just like I prefer my screams to be. The singer’s performance is impassioned throughout, and her voice exemplary for the style. Occasionally backed up harsh roars that are blunt and forceful, the vocals on Black Birch are as emotive as the rest of the music.
Black Birch have revealed themselves to be a supremely talented band, and this first EP is shockingly good. If you’re a fan of contemporary black metal that combines a fluid blistering attack with keen atmospheric worldbuilding, then you won’t want to miss out on this.
If you’re partial to bands such as Wiegedood, Downfall of Gaia, Uada, Regarde les Hommes Tomber, Hope Drone, and The Great Old Ones, then this is for you.