I think it’s safe to say that we’ve seen black metal given the atmospheric treatment time after time over the years with there always being more talent around the corner to throw their names into the mix to show us what can still be done. However, a properly layered performance that actually brings together the realms of post-metal and black metal is not something that we’re given often enough as it really taps into a different side of the genre as opposed to simply an atmospheric approach. We are always in need of more such splendor yet few step up to the plate to even trying. Ready to take a crack at it, it’s with their debut effort that Gràtfall demonstrates what potential there still is within such a sound.

There’s always been a sentiment in many different forms of media that you really have to go big lest you lose the attention of your audience, but sometimes it’s the stripped-down creations that hit the hardest with the finest musicians able to make their craft viciously appealing despite the presence of a grand concoction with hundreds of moving parts. Black metal is no exception to that. I’ve always been a fan of something that really goes above and beyond, but a performance that knows what it is and showcases splendor even in simpler moments is something that’s to be admired. Gràtfall taps into that gloriously throughout “Thanatopsis”. Never missing a chance for well-pointed ferocity that becomes downright hypnotic thanks to the well-executed black metal that’s laced with melody in between the dirges of evocation, the four tracks that adorn this creation are maximized so that every single one of these twenty-five minutes come together brilliantly as post-black metal is given loads of justice at practically every turn. Pensive in its exploration of death but nonetheless gorgeous for the sights that it beckons you to witness, “Thanatopsis” is a beautifully macabre creation that revels in the growing darkness but knows the heavy worthy of the fading light and all that it exposes. Where all too many are keen to snuff out that light, it almost feels as though Gràtfall perpetuates its existence as if to convey the notion that without even a shred of light that even death becomes meaningless in spite of all that it is.

The hooks of this debut are fantastically sharp and hit their mark damn near every time without exception. They tug on your spirit and retch you from side to side with your flesh tearing apart more by the second, yet there is a majesty to what Gràtfall asks you to suffer through. An introspective into the other side and making damn sure to open your eyes wide such that you have no choice but to see the sights for all that they are, it’s the whole of “Thanatopsis” that demands your attention.

LISTEN to “Thanatopsis” on Bandcamp here.

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