Beats and yelling: Deathisthemasterofthisworld

Death is the Master of this WorldOut 8th July on New Era Productions From the mind of Jan Kruitwagen of Sammath and Kaeck fame comes this new dark ambient project. Split neatly into two fifteen minute segments, in essence what we are presented with is a re-evaluation of ambient black metal. Paradoxically by removing any percussion – save a distant timpani rumble – it updates the subgenre with a more active, affirmative spirit. The wandering nature of tremolo driven black metal, another step removed from its metal lineage, takes on a more declarative posture, and gives it space to traverse more freely across ideas, interrogate themes, and conclude in triumphalist announcements. Each lengthy piece is split into a series of vignettes that essentially fall into two categories. One is defined by soaring tremolo sequences, which, unshackled from any rhythmic grid, take on a more organic and free flowing harmonic direction. Underpinned by rich layers of symphonic material, minimalist…