This is the fifth album from Swiss black metallers Coldcell.
Following on from 2021’s The Greater Evil, Age of Unreason contains 47 minutes of new material from Coldcell. Age of Unreason offers up a compelling modern black metal vision. It’s a heavily atmospheric and ritualistic one, combining elements of the atmospheric and post-black metal styles into an orthodox framework.
Coldcell are all about the atmosphere, and on Age of Unreason the band spread their blackened wings to encompass all around them. Steeped in occult feelings and auras, there’s a hypnotic and immersive quality to Age of Unreason that’s very moreish. The quality of the recording simply aids this too, making it effortless to revisit these tracks again and again.
The songs are textured tapestries of expressive darkness given sonic form. Well-constructed from choice materials, the music bleeds high quality through every pore. Existing on a spectrum from slow and malevolent to aggressive and menacing, the songs make their mark effectively regardless of what they’re doing. In the band’s capable hands the music comes alive with otherworldly passion and threatening intent. Coldcell’s songwriting makes the most of their spellbinding sound, enthralling the listener with esoteric moods and evocative soundscapes.
While all of the band put in strong performances, the singer deserves special mention. His voice is caustic, yet expressive and legible. It’s an impassioned display of vocal potency, and it helps elevate the already high level material above what another singer might be capable of bringing to the table. On one song – Meaningless – guest singer Ines Brodbeck takes a starring role, and her performance is captivating. Definitely a highlight of the album.
Coldcell’s latest offering is an impressive, detailed, well-rendered journey into occult malevolence and esoteric atmosphere. Age of Unreason has a lot to recommend itself. It’s music that’s filled with emotional depth and scathing darkness. If you’re a fan of bands such as Batushka, Gaerea, Mephorash, and Schammasch, then you need Age of Unreason in your life.
Wonderbox Metal 