Vígljós are a Swiss black metal band and this is their second album.
Tome II: Ignis Sacer contains 43 minutes of material from this enigmatic act. Vígljós’ style is rooted in the second wave, but brought to life with expressive synths, mellotron, and an occasional hard rock feel to some of the riffs.
As a rough starting point for the sound of Tome II: Ignis Sacer, think of a mix of bands such as Burzum, Darkthrone, Glorior Belli, Joyless, Mantar, The Meads of Asphodel, and Tjolgtjar. This is only to give an initial idea though, as Vígljós stand on their own merits amidst this.
Okay, let’s begin by saying that Tome II: Ignis Sacer is far better than most ostensibly similar black metal releases. It’s raw, underground black metal, yet simultaneously something greater than this. It is as if Vígljós have found a magic ingredient that seems to have been abundant in the 90s, but is much scarcer in the modern day. Put simply, this is an extremely good record.
Vígljós have crafted music with a greater degree of character and personality than most. I really like the combination of cold blackened darkness and warm esoteric psychedelic dreaminess that Tome II: Ignis Sacer has. The drumming is expressive and satisfying, but it’s the guitars and vocals that are the primary worldbuilders across the songs. The guitars I like in particular, as they frequently deliver all manner of interesting, catchy, emotive, or mind-bending riffs. The songs are expressive and engaging in large part because of this, especially as you get to know their idiosyncratic pathways over time. They range from portraying classic blackened venom, to opening strange otherworldly doorways, to relaxing with drawn-out Southern crawls, to cloaking with dark atmospheric explorations, to unleashing black ‘n’ roll groove, and much else. The vocals I’m sure will be an acquired taste to many, but I like their inhuman, deranged, unhinged howls and screams. These work well with the music; another aspect that imparts Vígljós with greater individuality than is the norm.
The considered songwriting powers everything. This allows Vígljós to craft songs from the ground up, upon an emotive bedrock that lets the music grow into something greater than its humble beginnings. All of the songs are similar in their shared holistic vision, yet all have their own voice within the whole.
Tome II: Ignis Sacer really does carry you away if you’ll let it. The feeling-rich guitars and hypnotic moods that the songs evoke are very moreish, and Vígljós have done well to create an album that’s so instantly enjoyable, yet has both substance and depth.
Vígljós have stamped their own identity on what is, at its heart, an ancient, well-worn style. So much so that they have won me over completely. All hail Vígljós!
Essential listening.
Wonderbox Metal 