This is the fourth album from US black metallers Canis Dirus.
By the Grace of Death contains 38 minutes of atmospheric black metal. Through a captivating mix of hostility, beauty, and dark splendour, Canis Dirus have produced a record that’s undeniably potent.
Canis Dirus display a keen understanding atmospheric black metal across By the Grace of Death. Their style is influenced by the US Cascadian style, but also has its own voice, both within this and without. Broadening their vision, the band take in progressive elements, folk enrichments, and the fiercely cold touch of the second wave.
The songs are well-crafted and ooze atmospheric depth. The music’s aggression is tempered by its considered mood-driven approach, yet can’t resist slipping the leash on occasion to make its fury truly known. By the Grace of Death flows nicely from track to track, taking the listener on a well-curated journey through blackened expression. Each song has its own character within the whole, and each carries its weight. There’s a welcome, yet holistic diversity on display, which allows the 5-minute beautiful Agalloch-esque mood-piece A Forlorn Hymn to Absolution to sit comfortably in the album’s running order. Even the obligatory interlude track – Cast My Heart in Stone – is remarkably effective.
All aspects of the music come together to realise the band’s atmosphere-rich world. The keyboards are particularly notable, exuding depth and presence in ways that hit the spot. The rhythm guitars are shaped by skilled hands, providing emotive distorted substance to grab the listener by the throat with. The introspective parts are used wisely, allowing for atmospheric dynamics to appear, while also adding texture in their own right. The vocalist has a classic snarl that’s charismatic and impactful, and the drums underpin everything with a performance that is satisfyingly pleasing to listen to. There are several guests peppered across the album as well, all contributing meaningfully to the end result, which is an absolutely sterling black metal record.
Canis Dirus have no right to unleash such a strong and enjoyable album so late in the year. By the Grace of Death should be on the radar of any atmospheric black metal fan. This list season, don’t miss out on this sure-to-be-overlooked gem of an album.
Essential listening.
Wonderbox Metal 