I can’t say that I’m a deep fan of black metal, but there are certain bands and albums that really connect with me. Blut Aus Nord has the shadowy visage and balanced beauty to draw me to their sound. Their new album Ethereal Horizons is a wonderful example; it released on November 28th.
Blut Aus Nord hails from France. Their name means something like “Blood from the North”. They’ve been together for a long time now, remaining essentially anonymous, keeping up that mysterious image. The lineup, I believe, is Vindsval on guitar and vocals, W.D. Feld on drums, electronics, and keys, and GhÖst on bass.
The music here is surging, melodic darkness. Yes, it’s black metal, but I wouldn’t even say it’s that heavy. There’s far more Romance, melody, and cosmic ambience here than brutal riffs. The guitar work is spacious and soaring, mostly, full of purpose instead of simply being a wall of sound. Harsh and clean vocals abound, but I find Vindsval’s style of harsh vox to be strangely spectral and soothing, and his clean vocals are excellent. So, instead of the white noise of some black metal, this album is more layered and dynamic, almost bordering on cosmic drone at times.
The album contains seven tracks and is about 51 minutes long. It doesn’t feel that long, though. No, this album conjures a hypnotic atmosphere immediately and doesn’t subside, only delving deeper and more infinitely into the universalist sounds it creates. It plays and experiments with its own soundscapes, but always outputs beauty and wonder.
The opener “Shadows Breathe First” is so good, full of unrelenting power, an oddly catchy chorus, and ritualistic accents that give it character. “Seclusion” comes next and is a favorite of mine. I love its psychedelic journey, pregnant with vocal mutterings and bright keyboard melodies. Next comes “The Ordeal”, probably the most accessible song on the album due to its colorful guitar phrasing and great vocals. This portion of the album streams by like haunted river.
The second half is even better. I love how “The Fall Opens the Sky” is a surging beast until it hits an introspective portion in the middle before launching once more into its assault. “What Burns Now Listens” is all about strong guitars, and it almost feels like they’re talking to us. The final two tracks are my favorites, and they go together. “Twin Suns Reverie” is two-minute ambient piece that is pure serenity. It leads into “The End Becomes Grace”, the twelve-minute closer that contrasts powerful rhythms right up against more peaceful, floating ambience. I like the sounds of dark water, like drops in a void. The song transitions back and forth between thundering drums and chesty vocals and utter cosmic stillness. It is equally heavy as it is calm, and you can feel it in your bones.
Ethereal Horizons is a magical trip through textures and tempos, but it’s the unadulterated contrasts that really bring me closer. Blut Aus Nord has created a heart racing album that is somehow incredibly soothing and pensive. It’s gorgeous from every perspective and incredibly balanced, as only veteran musicians can achieve.
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The PROG Mind 