Passion is a huge factor in bringing your music to life as it can easily be the deciding element in any given work of music when it comes to the work feeling like a representation of all the souls poured into it or a hollow shell of sonic waves put forth that’s meant exclusively to be consumed rather than felt. Black metal is filled with plenty of artists that are able to deliver such an invigorating performance driven by passion as well as raw devastation, and when we see that take on a truly emphasized form such that it becomes a driving factor in the material at large it becomes all but an undeniable work. In every sense, it’s with their latest work that Cień delivers to us impassioned black metal the likes of which I haven’t seen since Dødsferd.

It can feel almost too often that whenever we dive into the wide realm of black metal that we’re treated to a work that doesn’t often do much more than offer any combination of riffs, aggression, and raw power since that’s at the very core of what the style has become known for today, but it’s even a small step outside of that when we quickly come into territories that are full of potential for greatness should it be placed into the right hands. With the six tracks that adorn the dynamic runtime of their newest opus, “Redemption”, Cień not only checks off all of the right boxes when it comes to covering those previous aspects that are necessary for a quality work of black metal, but they also manage to craft a dazzling performance laced with atmosphere and calculated energy that’s downright powerful right from the very beginning. Each track has something small but certifiably unique to call its own whether it’s a tasteful use of atmosphere or a diverse vocal performance that’s all but striking which all comes together in such a well-done form that it becomes a real treat to see it all sewn into one tapestry of compelling darkness the likes of which black metal could always use more of with the years of experience put in by Cień quickly making “Redemption” much more than another drop in the ocean that black metal currently finds itself drowning in.

Apart from just the raw attack of sonic immensity that is the vast majority of this creation, Cień offers us a tantalizing listen that is leagues above the bar that many arbitrarily set for many names throughout the underground, and if this performance doesn’t check off all the right boxes for virtually everyone who finds themselves within the depths of this creation then I have some serious questions. It’s a peculiar listen that’s as foreign to the ears as it is extremely familiar, and that’s just the very beginning of all that’s to be found within the hidden tombs of “Redemption”.

“Redemption” releases on November 21st via Godz ov War Productions!

LISTEN to an advanced track from “Redemption” on Bandcamp here, or via YouTube below.

LIKE Cień on Facebook here.