Every so often, a name comes around that defies any and all expectations. It’s one thing to make for a decent surprise with an interesting debut or some new element that feels incredibly fresh in the grand scheme of everything, but it’s something else altogether to craft something that actually begs the use of the word “unique” and incredibly moving. Since its very beginnings, the one-man act of Rye has been one to know and pay attention to with time being an undeniable gift to both the act and its following. Aging like the finest of wines and as gorgeous as the most untouched realms of nature, the latest work of Rye stands to be its grandest by far.

Fortune favors the bold with the bold forging creations that one simply cannot consider as anything less than awe-inspiring. Even in moments that are not much more than ambiance, the very power and presence of Rye are of that which is downright captivating in every aspect. Bringing together multiple styles to make for an immense sound with layers that fold back into one another beautifully to make for a performance that is far more than just blackgaze or just doom or just some folky heaviness. Rather, “Bcë” quickly evolves into an outright work of pure, unfettered mastery. A rare eclectic blend, Rye builds upon everything that has been laid down on all of its previous albums with this certifiably the culmination of such excellence with all of the six tracks of “Bcë” bringing together elements from the world of doom, black metal, folk, and ambient to make for an absolute wonder for the senses! Capturing the essence of nature while still managing to have an undeniably grand approach to its heaviness that never once holds back with “Bcë” as meditative as it is crushing, this is the sort of record that really shows us how unprepared we are for the beginning of this new year! We have been spoiled by all the styles thus far with acts big and small delivering excellence, but it’s with “Bcë” that we’ve gotten something truly special by all accounts. Spend just a few songs in the realm where this record calls home and I dare you not to be compelled by the beautiful magic at work here.

Already there are calls for this album to be hailed as an immediate album of the year contender even as we find ourselves barely two weeks into 2023, but given what splendor Rye has summoned forth here, I am inclined to agree with them. Creations of this caliber in all of its creativity, clear talent, and undeniable magnificence is of a sort that we only get maybe once a year, and it is going to take a significant name elsewhere in the style to topple what has been delivered with “Bcë”. One thing remains clear, however, if nothing else. Rye stands tall as the premier act of their sound for their corner of the world where many others shine brightly in theirs. Scotland has Saor. The United States has Gallowbraid. Argentina has Downfall of Nur. And now, Russia has Rye. By all accounts, that’s something to boast about.

LISTEN to “Bcë” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Rye on Facebook here.