Yellow Eyes – Immersion Trench Reverie (2017)

Siberian war dethroning the pioneers of Cascadia

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It’s fair to say that Yellow Eyes have done a huge favor to a stagnating genre, where any new idea is a proof that black metal is not dead. Forgetting all stereotypes and rather finding ways to enrich music therefore seems to be the only working key to success. The brothers Skarstads have somehow managed to put a spell on every release; whether it was a handmade wood craft, a haunting sound from the sacred cabin or symbolistic accessories. After being sick with bloom the time has come to fullfil passion with freezing wind again. The songs impaired with surroundings such as ringing bells and women choir bring back the familiar archaic feeling. The structures are the most progressive yet, making each composition stand out more than on the previous record. Cascading tremolos are backed up with intense blast beats and when there’s a time for a short break, Receviks pulls out catchy drum transitions letting a listener breathe in for a while. When Shrillness in the heated grass unwinds an aristocratic melody, it clearly depicts the thrice woven crown on the album cover.

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“Seed shells like a radiance

The oligarch flanks his tent 
Salted thistle in his throat” 

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Velvet on the horns resonates with a powerful gleam and fury. You will hardly find a band, that would carry out so much of an energetic aura when using depressive shrieks and delicate riffs. The pummeling and unforgiving 10 minute Jubilat takes its time with smart turn arounds before bulding up a majestic escalation. A listener will be coming back to every track until he/she finds every hidden twist previously not heard. Immersion Trench Reverie is a perfect balance between atmosphere and technical ability and will beat any record this year. 10/10