Slowly but surely, we’re seeing different cultures getting some real reach in the metal underground. Myth has always played a big role in what many have brought to the table for metal music, but it’s always fascinating to see bands expand on that concept and really give us something that few others can with some specializing in a specific region of the world while others seek a wide breadth of influence. With bands like Et Moriemur, Tzompantli, Whispered, and a growing list out there, it’s only a matter of time before we come across another. It’s not often, however, to witness a band shift from one culture’s mythology to another as we see here with Ershetu going from the Mayans to the Japanese to make this album a surprise and a demonstration as to the exact kind of act we’re dealing with here.

Normally, when a band is dealing in any sort of culture, the specialized approach tends to be what many go for as each band normally only resides in one culture at a time with that theme stretching across multiple albums, but it’s not unheard of to see a band shift to another part of the world to take their sound like what the aforementioned Et Moriemur did with their previous album. For their second, Ershetu pulls off the same concept with as much precision, glory, and craftsmanship that one could ask for. A wild display of black metal backed by more than plenty of Japanese folk instrumentation to really take the imersion and themes to the next level, “Yomi” is an absolute feast for the senses. Melodic in its execution but none the less intense for all that it brings to the table, it’s the sheer diversity of Ershetu that brings reverence to that of the concept of death in the Shinto religion. The vocals are perhaps the biggest example of that as they are fantastically dynamic from top to bottom with their impeccable reach and chants that really bring the album together for such a magnificent listen that continuously builds upon itself to become far more than another black metal piece that only takes a few cues from the culture at hand. Rather, Ershetu dives in wholeheartedly to ensure “Yomi” is the expansive work that it was meant to be from the beginning, and it would be an absolute crime to imply they didn’t succeed wildly.

There is evidence of greatness all over and all throughout this record. Where some might be able to tap into what this album channels, there are extremely few that are able to deliver it on such a high level of efficiency and excellence as what Ershetu delivers in earnest here. A supremely fluid creation that has so many nooks and crannies amongst its wide visages of splendor, blood, and majesty, “Yomi” is an absolute must-hear experience for any who like their black metal daring and adventurous without losing a simple piece of its devastating edge.

“Yomi” releases on November 8th via Debemur Morti!

PRE-ORDER “Yomi” on Bandcamp here.

LISTEN to “Yomi” via YouTube here.

LIKE Ershetu on Facebook here.