Cross Bringer are a black metal band from Russia and this is their second album.
Brought to us by the singer of Predatory Void and the drummer of Downfall of Gaia, Healismus Aeternus contains 27 minutes of scathing modern black metal. Taking influences from post-black metal, blackened hardcore, and crust, and building them into a whirlwind of intricate ferocity, Healismus Aeternus is a rewarding album that should find favour with fans of bands such as Black Birch, Celeste, Hexis, Rorcal, Still, The Sun’s Journey Through the Night, and Wiegedood.
Healiamus Aeternus is an album of lethal intensity and sharp aggression. This is counterbalanced by emotive delivery and atmospheric darkness, which round out the songs into their engaging final forms. This approach succeeds in allowing Cross Bringer to be blisteringly abrasive, but while also benefiting from a feeling-rich infusion of passion that’s compelling.
The moods across Healismus Aeternus are tense with violent impulses. The music is vibrant with dark melodic colours and laced with dissonant textures, bringing layers to songs that are viscerally hostile. The atmospheric components are well-used, ensuring that the songs avoid becoming one-dimensional blast fests. Instead, Healismus Aeternus is well-rounded, making use of a range of tools to augment its savage blackened core, (including keyboards, clean singing, and mood-rich soundscapes, all deployed and arranged skilfully around the music’s overwhelming central assault).
Yep, I like this very much. Cross Bringer’s brand of violent intensity and expressive depth makes it a very easy album to fall for. The darkness is absorbing, and the aggression scathing. Healismus Aeternus is a strong album that’s full of blackened power and malevolent presence.
Very highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 