«Asarhaddon - Reysa»
Talking about modern black metal without slipping into nostalgia or cynicism is an almost Herculean task. A genre born as an antithesis to the mainstream now balances between commercial adaptation and fanatical purism. At first glance, it may seem that contemporary projects in this genre are limited either to immersion in spatial melancholy or to displays of aggressive extremism. However, ASARHADDON manage to merge both elements, constructing a musical labyrinth where the listener encounters bursts of raw power and subtle nuances of philosophical contemplation.
"Reysa" (2020) is the quintessence of black metal, where every note breathes contradiction: aggression intertwines with melancholy, archaism blends with innovation, and the philosophical depth of the lyrics never devolves into pseudo-intellectual rambling.
From the very first seconds, Reysa plunges the listener into a world where every guitar repetition and every percussive strike sounds like a revelation, infused with nostalgia for the era of early Norwegian bands while simultaneously reaching toward a future free from clichés and formulaic solutions.
The album’s concept — "a poetic journey through space and time toward the inevitable end" — could have easily become a cliché if not for two key nuances. First, the lyrics steer clear of straightforward Satanism, replacing it with existential imagery: nature is not romanticized but instead depicted as a blind force, indifferent to human ambition. Second, the vocals are not the usual unhinged growls but a focused mid-range scream, where each phrase resonates like an incantation, transforming the voice into an instrument painting apocalyptic landscapes.
The compositions not only showcase technical mastery but also unfold as deep narratives, where shifts in tempo, dynamics, and mood are meticulously calibrated. The energetic opener, "Der Ursprung", immediately commands attention with its speed and intensity, gradually giving way to lyrical moments where melodic passages provide space to absorb the impending storm of sound. The repeated use of interruptions, short breaks, and slow retreats turns listening into a cinematic journey, where every twist in the narrative is accompanied by a new sonic revelation.
Each of the six tracks is structured in a way that makes the transitions between them feel like a coherent sonic storyline rather than a random assortment of sounds. In particular, "Die Vergängnis erwacht" and "Ein wahrlich wirrer Ort" skillfully alternate between moments of raw aggression and echo-laden interludes, where the tempo slows, allowing the listener to process the emotional intensity just experienced. The track "Der Aufstieg" serves as a kind of climax, where the influence of early Norwegian bands is strongly felt, yet the sound remains fresh and original, testifying to the band's unique musical identity.
Behind the project lies years of experience, clearly evident in every nuance of the arrangements. The core creative force — two musicians named Christian (Koss and Kircher) — has managed to combine the fiery energy of youth with the wisdom gained through experience. Their ability to work in tandem, as well as their collaborations with guest musicians, such as vocalist Nova, adds another dimension to the project, reinforcing its presence as a significant player on the modern black metal scene.
It is crucial to note that in a market flooded with new projects, many of which rely on shock value and surface-level genre mimicry, ASARHADDON take a different approach. They do not seek fleeting attention through generic formulas but lay the foundation for long-term recognition, built on a deeply personal perception of music and a sincere pursuit of artistic self-expression. The result is an album that not only satisfies those who seek raw power and emotional intensity in music but also speaks to those capable of appreciating the intricacy of its musical structure and the depth of its conceptual vision.
Had Reysa been released in the mid-90s, it would already be considered a classic. But ASARHADDON are not stuck in the past. Their strength lies in their ability to reinterpret the legacy of the second wave through the prism of contemporary sensibilities, combining melancholic melodies with an almost post-rock dynamic interwoven into a black metal framework. This is not a retrospective but a dialogue between eras — harsh, yet respectful.
ASARHADDON do not create new worlds, but they reshape the map of the known. Reysa is a distinctive artistic statement — technically flawless yet emotionally raw, philosophically multifaceted yet devoid of pretension. It does not seek easy answers, does not chase trends, and does not recycle outdated clichés.
This is music for those who are ready to listen, not just hear.
"Reysa" (2020) is the quintessence of black metal, where every note breathes contradiction: aggression intertwines with melancholy, archaism blends with innovation, and the philosophical depth of the lyrics never devolves into pseudo-intellectual rambling.
From the very first seconds, Reysa plunges the listener into a world where every guitar repetition and every percussive strike sounds like a revelation, infused with nostalgia for the era of early Norwegian bands while simultaneously reaching toward a future free from clichés and formulaic solutions.
The album’s concept — "a poetic journey through space and time toward the inevitable end" — could have easily become a cliché if not for two key nuances. First, the lyrics steer clear of straightforward Satanism, replacing it with existential imagery: nature is not romanticized but instead depicted as a blind force, indifferent to human ambition. Second, the vocals are not the usual unhinged growls but a focused mid-range scream, where each phrase resonates like an incantation, transforming the voice into an instrument painting apocalyptic landscapes.
The compositions not only showcase technical mastery but also unfold as deep narratives, where shifts in tempo, dynamics, and mood are meticulously calibrated. The energetic opener, "Der Ursprung", immediately commands attention with its speed and intensity, gradually giving way to lyrical moments where melodic passages provide space to absorb the impending storm of sound. The repeated use of interruptions, short breaks, and slow retreats turns listening into a cinematic journey, where every twist in the narrative is accompanied by a new sonic revelation.
Each of the six tracks is structured in a way that makes the transitions between them feel like a coherent sonic storyline rather than a random assortment of sounds. In particular, "Die Vergängnis erwacht" and "Ein wahrlich wirrer Ort" skillfully alternate between moments of raw aggression and echo-laden interludes, where the tempo slows, allowing the listener to process the emotional intensity just experienced. The track "Der Aufstieg" serves as a kind of climax, where the influence of early Norwegian bands is strongly felt, yet the sound remains fresh and original, testifying to the band's unique musical identity.
Behind the project lies years of experience, clearly evident in every nuance of the arrangements. The core creative force — two musicians named Christian (Koss and Kircher) — has managed to combine the fiery energy of youth with the wisdom gained through experience. Their ability to work in tandem, as well as their collaborations with guest musicians, such as vocalist Nova, adds another dimension to the project, reinforcing its presence as a significant player on the modern black metal scene.
It is crucial to note that in a market flooded with new projects, many of which rely on shock value and surface-level genre mimicry, ASARHADDON take a different approach. They do not seek fleeting attention through generic formulas but lay the foundation for long-term recognition, built on a deeply personal perception of music and a sincere pursuit of artistic self-expression. The result is an album that not only satisfies those who seek raw power and emotional intensity in music but also speaks to those capable of appreciating the intricacy of its musical structure and the depth of its conceptual vision.
Had Reysa been released in the mid-90s, it would already be considered a classic. But ASARHADDON are not stuck in the past. Their strength lies in their ability to reinterpret the legacy of the second wave through the prism of contemporary sensibilities, combining melancholic melodies with an almost post-rock dynamic interwoven into a black metal framework. This is not a retrospective but a dialogue between eras — harsh, yet respectful.
ASARHADDON do not create new worlds, but they reshape the map of the known. Reysa is a distinctive artistic statement — technically flawless yet emotionally raw, philosophically multifaceted yet devoid of pretension. It does not seek easy answers, does not chase trends, and does not recycle outdated clichés.
This is music for those who are ready to listen, not just hear.
Rating: 9/10
Спасибо: Rifforge