In the modern age of black metal, there are more than plenty of names out there for us to choose from for each different vein of the genre that all continue to evolve and expand in some form or another. For the particularly atmospheric reaches of the style, Mesarthim has been a big name for eight years now with the act being known as a certifiable powerhouse of black metal infused with electronic elements to make for a specific concoction that few can compare themselves to without embellishment. Despite the band’s rate of activity taking a drastic drop in recent years, that’s far from a bad thing as that gives the act more than enough time to truly craft their next creation and put it out whenever it is ready. It has been almost two years since the last full-length creation from Mesarthim, and it’s now time for them to return yet again with this new creation being their longest yet.

Even though “Arrival” isn’t even three minutes longer than the previous Mesarthim effort that held the title of the longest, more Mesarthim is not something that I don’t think any of us are keen to turn down easily. This has been a name that is synonymous with constant evolution even if it’s only slightly from one creation to the next with the electronic elements a key staple of the band’s sound for years now, and it has got to be with “Arrival” that we’re given Mesarthim’s most mature creation to date. The gap between this effort and its predecessor was clearly not taken in vain as every moment of these eight tracks are nothing short of peak Mesarthim the likes of which long-time fans should easily fall back into while new adventurers should be met with no less than immense glories as the very wonders of the cosmos open up in such exquisite detail before the eyes on such a scale that only a band like this is able to deliver. “Arrival” stands as the return of a modern staple in the world of atmospheric black metal with all of its key notes being checked off one after another in just the first track with everything else only furthering the reputation that the mysterious duo has made for themselves up to this point. Acting as the next step for Mesarthim while hearkening back to what’s come before with the closer, “Type IV”, posing as a sequel to an earlier EP, “Type III”, there are layers happening within this supernova that are not to be ignored lest their weight be lost on the cosmonauts amongst the colorful dust.

If you’re looking for something completely brand new that rocks the boat, then this release is not for you, sadly, but for those of us that simply want more of what has always made Mesarthim a treat for the senses then this is another morsel that is as scrumptious as we could possibly ask for. From the wondrous beats off in the distance to the amazing contrast between the black metal and its dense atmospheres to the very rhythms at play in every given moment of the record, “Arrival” is a treat that just keeps on giving.

“Arrival” releases on May 26th via Avantgarde Music!

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

LIKE Mesarthim on Facebook here.