Atra Vetosus are an Australian black metal band and this is their third album.
I always enjoy catching up with Atra Vetosus. Periodically they emerge from wherever it is they slumber, unleashing quality black metal as they do so. If you haven’t heard them before, make sure you check out 2018’s Apricity and 2021’s Even the Dawn No Longer Brings Hope, alongside this new record, of course. Especially this new one, actually, as we’ll see.
Undying Splendour contains 46 minutes of black metal for the listener to immerse themselves in. And immersive it is; Atra Vetosus are at their most melodic, atmospheric, and expansive on Undying Splendour, and feel like they have reached their final form, (at least for the time being).
Skilfully weaving the atmospheric and melodic styles together into five well-crafted songs, (plus interlude), the band’s new material leans more strongly into the former this time around. Atra Vetosus have expanded their blackened gaze, and Undying Splendour features some of their longest, strongest, and most absorbing work.
If Atra Vetosus’ style is now predominantly an atmospheric black metal one, it’s not wholly this. There is still a melodic black metal aspect apparent, cut from the same cloth as the band’s past discography, but now refined and embedded into the overarching atmospheric framework. However, there are also other elements at play here and there; a post-metal influence can be felt in places, providing a contemporary injection into the music’s textured heart.
Undying Splendour is accomplished, and richly rendered. Atra Vetosus have clearly put some thought into what they want to achieve with this new album, and the execution is strong. The variety of material ebbs and flows across the songs and the album, taking the listener on a journey that’s rewarding and filled with interest. From harsh aggression and embracing darkness, to bright resplendence and intricate introspection, Undying Splendour hits the spot. It can be stripped back and raw, or impressively epic and layered; either way, Atra Vetosus dazzle with their ability to both go for the throat and build great beauty.
This is without a doubt Atra Vetosus’ best album. It’s their most finely realised vision for their art, and offers a massive bounty of treats for atmospheric black metal fans everywhere. I can’t help but feel that this will get lost in the frenzy of list season, and would have been better served with a January release. Regardless, Undying Splendour finds Atra Vetosus boosting their music up a level. You need to spend some time with this if you’re a fan of bands such as Agalloch, Aquilus, Falls of Rauros, Panopticon, Winterfylleth, Wolves in the Throne Room, etc.
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