This is the sixth album from Cuban black metallers Narbeleth.
I always enjoy a new Narbeleth release. If you haven’t already, make sure you check out 2014’s A Hatred Manifesto, 2015’s Through Blackness and Remote Places, 2017’s Indomitvs, and 2021’s Svmma Cvm Nox Arcana, as all are records worthy of your attention if you enjoy second wave black metal. Continuing the trend of releasing albums with seven originals and one cover song, (Satyricon in this case), A Pale Crown contains 45 minutes of material for black metal devotees to savour.
A Pale Crown instantly impresses with its sharp blackened riffs, cold menacing atmosphere, and darkly harsh vocals. It’s over time that its true appeal arises though, as the serrated guitars cut deep, the icy atmospheres freeze you to the bone, and the grim utterances transfix your mind.
Narbeleth have already proven that they know this style intimately and can deliver the goods in no uncertain terms, and on A Pale Crown they consolidate their iron grip on classic black metal even further. Channelling the spirit of old-school Immortal, Darkthrone, Satyricon, and Enslaved, Narbeleth succeed in taking these prime influences and making them their own.
A Pale Crown is rich with traditional frosted moodscapes, scything blackened groove, and dark malevolent intent. It’s a record that focuses on atmosphere and emotive melody, and even when unleashing its most aggressive side, it doesn’t relinquish its hold on these aspects. Narbeleth also incorporate intricacy and sophistication into their approach, embedding this into many of the guitar parts, as well as including the occasional use of other creative ideas such as epic clean singing or lonesome acoustic breaks.
If you can’t get enough of that early 90s black metal style and want something that really does the era justice, then look no further than A Pale Crown. Narbeleth continue to provide the blackened underground with what it craves most, and their new record is effortlessly enjoyable.
Wonderbox Metal 