Normally, in the many different realms of black metal we see a certain modicum of focus alongside a serious approach that isn’t fussing around for so much as a moment. Much like what we’re seeing in certain corners of death metal, though, there are some dissenters that are shaking things up a bit be it through an unorthodox approach or even some humor even it is off-putting for some. While I have yet to see black metal go all-in like what might be seen from particular reaches of brutal death metal, there are a handful in the world of black metal that are taking everything a little bit differently. For their second effort, Kvelgeyst have certainly put on a serious performance on the surface, but it’s under that visage it becomes clear that this collective is having an absolute blast in the chaos.

What do you get when you because as crazed as your source material? Everything because immensely bonkers, off-the-wall, and some of the purest forms of chaos out there. While there are certainly more experimental acts out in the vast reaches of black metal, Kvelgeyst has more than earned the right to be dubbed mad scientists in practically every regard with all that they’ve brought forth in their sophomore effort, “Blut, Milch und Thränen”. Following the tale of an alchemist seeking enlightenment through the sacrifice of another only to have the roles flipped where the alchemist becomes the sacrifice and the adept returning to its home of a sewer now coated in the tapestry of maddening knowledge, “Blut, Milch und Thränen” is a wild ride from beginning to end with the concept alone much to contend with, and that’s not even taking into consideration the unorthodox black metal on display. Far more than a straightforward approach, Kvelgeyst makes a point to come at the listener from unexpected angles and with an unexpected enthusiasm in it all as their sophomore record really feels as much as personal statement for all the band can be as much as it is an advancement of their sound. Themes of madness and enlightenment fit perfectly with what’s on the table here from Kvelgeyst sonically. Dynamic in each aspect and unpredictable to its core, “Blut, Milch und Thränen” definitely serves as an embodiment of what Kvelgeyst is doing with their own particular brand of the style.

Not something we would normally expect from black metal but more than proficient at bringing it to life, Kvelgeyst defies the odds with much of what “Blut, Milch und Thränen” has to offer from its concepts to it executions that may be off-putting to some, but endlessly fascinating to others. It’s the result of a collective that has vision albeit frayed in the delight of chaos even if it isn’t in the form of widespread flames and endless suffering that many associate from the sound. Be that as it may, looking upon “Blut, Milch und Thränen” goes for broke and comes out on the other side with the brilliance of victory in its steps.

“Blut, Milch und Thränen” releases on November 24th via Eisenwald!

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LIKE to advanced tracks from “Blut, Milch und Thränen” on Bandcamp here.