It is one thing to bring some level of emotion into your black metal. That’s something that we’re always seeing on at least some level no matter where we look, it is simply some veins that implement it more than others. When we do get to the more emotional sides of black metal, however, we’re almost always in for an experience that is as harrowing as it is impactful. Many try their hands to cut deep into the very soul of the listener, but others truly captivate the spirit in ways that others can only ever hope to. Vitriolic Sage is not a name that many might be familiar with, yet it is in the last few years that it has become a name to respect in this corner of black metal with this latest offering a massive display of talent that is not to be underestimated.

It’s already one thing for a black metal act to sink its hooks into the very soul of the listener in such a way that drags the victim into a pit of inner despair and suffering amongst the endless throes of sorrow, but there are some that manage to not just make it a sort of beautiful but practically intoxicating despite the very nature of the material. Only the best of those in that particular corner of black metal are able to bring it to life in such a way that can really turn heads, and Vitriolic Sage virtually has it down to a science with what’s been brought forth in the band’s third full-length album in three consecutive years. I haven’t heard of the name before today, and I cannot express how much you need to change that if you’re in the same position I was for it is every given facet of what’s been wretched from the human soul to make “梦路” (Google translated that to “Dream Road” (I would love to know if that translation is correct)) the spirit-rending vision that it is with the black metal on display here utterly undeniable. The very instruments feel to be weeping throughout all forty-two minutes of the album as Vitriolic Sage is absolutely masterful at crafting atmospheres that are damp, heavy, and incredibly effective at bringing forth the emotions they were meant to bring forth in overwhelming quantity with Vitriolic Sage’s approach to the album as a whole downright masterful.

They’re constantly weaving of sorrows and pain into a magnificently macabre and moving creation that has so much more to offer than disembodied wails of which there are plenty still incorporated here. It all comes together into a profound record that cuts deeper than many than what I’ve come across in recent times with the very whole of this branch of black metal needing to put “梦路” as a need-to-know album that will surely become a favorite of 2023 for many who finds themselves before the power and sorrow of Vitriolic Sage.

LISTEN to “梦路” on Bandcamp here.

FOLLOW Vitriolic Sage on Instagram here.