This is the debut album from US black metal band Astral Alchemy.
Weaving Chilling Magical Dreamworlds unleashes 39 minutes of multifaceted black metal on the world. Astral Alchemy revel in the creation of an alluring mix of the ancient and the modern, leading to a record that captures the strengths from both remarkably well.
This is a fascinating and effective mix of different styles and influences, although the core is resolutely forged from classic black metal. Weaving Chilling Magical Dreamworlds is rooted in the old-school style, and that’s the overall wrapper, but within this you’ll find a lot of different ingredients, some common, some far less so. It’s a well-executed vision of the 90s through a modern lens; a contemporary interpretation of a classic recipe, spiced up with some unexpectedly tasty flavours.
Pulling from multiple eras and genres, you’ll find classic melodic, atmospheric and symphonic elements, all rolled into an overarching modern black metal framework that’s simultaneously familiar and atypical. Part of the latter aspect comes from a smattering of other non-black metal influences that can be felt in key places, everything from doom to post-rock to electronica to slam. The last in particular probably deserves additional comment, as the others are far less alien to black metal. The prime example is an unexpected breakdown section in Stars of Ruin, complete with inhuman pigsqueals, and some djenty elements. It might sound like it wouldn’t work, but it really does.
Astral Alchemy are not afraid to play with the black metal formula, while remaining within its broader framework quite comfortably. Don’t get too caught up on this aspect though, as the band know what they’re doing with the style. The songwriting is strong, and despite what’s written above, this is black metal through and through.
Weaving Chilling Magical Dreamworlds is a richly atmospheric record. It crafts absorbing soundscapes with textured depth and no small amount of nuance. The music is layered and well-rendered, with worldbuilding that takes the listener on a cosmic journey that feels strangely psychedelic, but not in the usual way that that word is used. Essentially, Astral Alchemy blur the lines between classic and modern black metal so well that Weaving Chilling Magical Dreamworlds has a feel and flavour all of its own.
To put it simply, Astral Alchemy play second wave black metal inspired by the likes of Emperor and Dissection, via modern black metal’s delivery and production values – think a band like Blackbraid. Throw in some occasional touches reminiscent in places of bands like Agalloch, Arcturus, and Mesarthim, and you have a well-rounded record with much to offer.
Wonderbox Metal 