It is each and every year that we’re accosted by bands of all sorts from all creeds that try their hand at delivering black metal that is of quality. Of course, different styles come with different standards, but to deliver the worthwhile black metal that is cold yet no less than fiery to its core and infectious in all accounts is to make something truly exceptional. We’d be lucky to get even one of those in any given year no matter who is to be heard throughout the scene, and it can really be up to naught but pure luck for one to come across such a work. After hearing whisperings of the debut from Loather, I thought maybe this was just such an album. After losing myself in these cold winds for hours, I can say with confidence that the whisperings were spot-on.

Whereas many names would understandably need some time to acclimate themselves to really get to a point with ice-cold black metal where we can really bask in its glory and be met with quite a spectacle, some talent is ready for conquest right out of the gate. Clearly, Loather is such a name. Hands down, what has been brought forward with “Eis” is some of the most compelling black metal of its kind that I have heard in far too long. Truly embodying the landscape like what we see in the cover art and with more than enough atmosphere to match the fitting themes, Loather’s performance is a heavy experience on the ears as well as the soul with every opportunity taken to make the record a sight to behold. Throughout “Eis”, we’re given tremendously done themes of loss and the struggle we all have with each other as Loather brings it all to an icy landscape that is beyond perfect for such a concept as the very chill of the wind cuts through to the marrow of your bones as well as the deepest layers of your soul the likes of which can only be matched by a loved one being wretched out of this existence, leaving us behind to stare down into their grave pondering it all in the deepest of solitude. Bring it all together with an impeccable sense of timing when it bring about a solid riff where quality trumps quantity and all-encompassing atmospheres that know precisely where to strike every time, it’s no wonder that some are calling “Eis” one of the best black metal efforts that we’ve seen so far this year.

That’s always a bold claim for obvious reasons, but when you compare this creation to much of what is out there in the scene today, I cannot fault anyone for putting Loather and this creation on a high pedestal for all that it brings to the table. The winds of “Eis” cut deep, indeed, and it is once plenty wander off into the snowy forest that Loather calls home that I think many will likely come to the same exact conclusion.

LISTEN to “Eis” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Loather on Facebook here.