Undeniably, there are those that remain to stay silent for too long. Whether it be those who simply have a lot to say or those that cannot turn the voices off lest they find themselves going down a dark path that leaves to a mental wasteland, the metal underground has no shortage of musicians out there that are constantly bringing us new material. Having made itself known as just such an act since its first album sixteen years ago, Siyvj Yar has yet to settle and fade into nothingness. Now, returning from its longest silence of three years, it’s here that Siyvj Yar takes us back to one of the darkest and bleakest times in its country’s history.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that black metal is oftentimes home to material that is nihilistic in nature and terrifying in its themes. Throngs of bands have come around over the decades to offer credence to that simple fact, and yet there aren’t very many that are able to take that concept to the next level and deliver something that taps into a primordial recess of the brain that humans are wont to shut off whether it be a conscious decision or a subliminal survival instinct. Taking dramatic inspiration from the gulags that ran until the 70s where people only knew suffering, pain, torture, and the futility of resistance in the face of overwhelming cruelty, “A Scarlet Sunset Over the Horrid Abyss” is a harrowing experience that captures the depravity of humankind’s arbitrary disdain for one another and the horrors that we can dare justify to put upon each other. One of the darkest visages that humankind has placed upon itself in recent memory, this brand of post black metal is simply perfect for the concept with Siyvj Yar’s signature sound unyielding in every aspect and never once turning away from the unbridled horror that’s to be found within every inch of this record. Always making damn sure to allow the smallest, and oftentimes the most harrowing, moments breathe to ensure the raw black metal terror is given all the contrast and breadth to become a beast in its own right, it would be understatement to claim that “A Scarlet Sunset Over the Horrid Abyss” doesn’t do more than simply tap into the hell that was the gulags for all they stripped from this world.

Sticking true to their guns and always making damn sure to allow the sorrow of the souls’ end come across in the world, Siyvj Yar continues down the path that it has long travelled for all it has to offer. Many have tried to bring to the table was “A Scarlet Sunset Over the Horrid Abyss” has, yet few bands out there can come close to what Siyvj Yar can do even after already accomplishing so much.

“A Scarlet Sunset Over the Horrid Abyss” releases on February 28th via Avantgarde Music!

LISTEN to an advanced track from “A Scarlet Sunset Over the Horrid Abyss” on Bandcamp here.