Even the occasional listener can tell you without a doubt that black metal is a genre that in its rawest form can be something that’s far from anything for the light-hearted and downright nihilistic in many occasions. The style itself is simply overflowing with many bands that try their hand at such a thing, and most seem to succeed almost effortlessly as it can be quite easy to be as devastating as possible, but there are very few that can take it to a level the likes of which Gruzja has done with their upcoming album.

The last time that I’ve heard something like this that truly feels like apex nihilism as the very rhythms seem to want to tear down the fabrics of society would be Heathen Beast who still manages to deliver sheer insanity to this day. But instead of hailing from India, Gruzja comes from the realm of Poland where apparently the black metal comes just as potent with this record being seven tracks of a truly high magnitude that wants to tear down all. The entirety of “I Iść Dalej” itself becomes a very volatile aberration really quickly as Gruzja wastes no time whatsoever to let us know that they bring only filth, nastiness, and taboo pleasures that we seldom dwell on. But amidst all this anarchy, “I Iść Dalej” finds the right amount of time to perfectly execute gripping melodies that get the head nodding, the foot tapping, and the blood pumping as Gruzja demonstrates wondrously track after track that only pulls you into their swirling vortex of fire and blood all the more. There’s not a single moment in the whirlwind that is “I Iść Dalej” that’s even slightly devoid of power or intensity, and Gruzja thrives on that as they show us what they’re really made of being it moments of pure madness to melodies that are all but incredibly satisfying to the closing track that’s completely out of nowhere.

Many young black metal acts tend to catch my eye for their true intensity and dedication to making it sound as though they want the entire world wreathed in flame, but it’s with Gruzja that we see it broken down into a macabre art that’s hell-bent on making the skin peel in response. “I Iść Dalej” is a record that’s not to be taken lightly or heard expecting nothing too crazy, and should you go in with the right mentality, you’re in for a damned good time.

“I Iść Dalej” releases on February 27th via Godz ov War Productions!

LISTEN to an advanced track from “I Iść Dalej” on Bandcamp here.