This is the debut album from Swiss black metal band Irr.
Irr have risen from the ashes of the mighty Forlet Sires, so Remains Remain was definitely something I needed to hear once I knew of its existence. Across 34 minutes it provides an experience that belies its relatively brief duration.
Remains Remain is a creation of older influences, and I’m just going to be lazy here and quote the promo blurb, as it sums things up nicely, “Abandoning their post-/atmospheric metal roots entirely, their first offering is a sophisticated black metal record reminiscent of the early 2000s, delivering relentless ferocity and melancholic disharmony.” This sets the scene nicely, although I should say that Remains Remain is not absent atmospheric components, especially on certain songs.
The music is dark and aggressive, delivered with passionate intensity and and understanding of the style. It’s black metal with occasional death metal elements, the latter providing the band with an extra toolbox of blunt, barbaric tools to use when needed. However, the hostility of the songs is underpinned by an emotive base, allowing the music to benefit from both brutality and feeling. In this way, Irr have their cake and eat it, as they unleash a collection of tracks that pulse with punishing intensity, but never sacrifice their emotive core.
Irr have a dual vocal approach that sees a range of styles used across the album. Screams, roars, growls, and semi-cleans all make appearances. The drummer also provides additional clean vocals on the song Crestfallen, and I’m a big fan of these. Much like the rest of the music, there’s a greater diversity on remains Remain than you might typically expect; Irr know what they’re doing.
The album works both as something with instant appeal, as well as something that worms its way into your skull over time, burrowing deeply. Despite this, these seven songs work best after repeated spins. As you get to know the music more intimately, it just gets better. There are many highlights across the album, from blackened melodies that get inside your head, (damn you Mass of the Earth in particular), to malevolent grooves that force you to move, whether you want to or not, (looking at you Eternal Immurement). Irr know how to write a good song, and the quality levels over the course of these seven tracks remain consistently high.
Remains Remain is a very enjoyable record, one that puts the band in a very good position moving forward. I’m very happy to have Irr in my life, and I urge you to sup of their chalice too. It tastes very good indeed.
Very highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 