March 19, 2010

Reviewer: Chris

Since Silencer’s Death - Pierce Me, so-called suicidal black metal has been on the rise. Mostly it’s been bad rehashes from guys who can barely play guitars or keyboards, but some have been pretty impressive when the mood is properly captured. For some background, suicidal black metal is not necessarily black in the Satanic or evil sense, but more of a black inner-self design. That is, the depression and self-loathing we sometimes all feel is accentuated and put forth through music. When it’s true depression and blackness that curls the insides and forces the creator to adopt a “play-and-say-or-die” mentality, it’s usually pretty good.

Music channels the mind’s eye and registers feelings accordingly. We all experience this, from Judas Priest aligning the metal masses with “Heavy Duty and “Defenders of the Faith” to Bathory giving us a glimpse into Odin’s ride over Scandinavia, something resonates for a long time after. That is what makes metal music (or any music, really) special. The sub-genres have an even loftier task of assembling music to make their messages relevant within their selective medium(s), and to lay claim to suicidal black metal is one task not easily assumed, and success is certainly not easily earned without coming under close scrutiny from those in the know.

Forgive Me is a very depressive outfit hailing from, and this is no typo, Jordan, which in and of itself amazes me to no end. In that part of the world, with all of the strife and religious and political unrest that occurs on an hourly basis, can you imagine faking that sort of mindset? So, musically Forgive Me is the somber expulsion of foreboding and dismalness though minor chords and low-key vocalization that can’t even be deemed singing. It can, however, be classified as a seething whisper that is surrounded by some of the most saddening tunes I’ve heard in a long while. While Silencer is just plain horrific and agonizing in spots, Forgive Me is the assemblage of suicidal sentiments that are both burdening and passionate. In short, the music is sad and despondent tracks of solitude that no one can seemingly overcome.

To attempt to classify how haunting this album is in terms of the individual tunes, I’ll say that as a whole the album, from start to finish, is truly a unique experience and one that might just alter your disposition by its end. I have listened to it twice and can say, without a shadow of doubt that this release is one of the best depressive black CD’s I’ve ever heard! I believe these two gentlemen from the other side of the globe have managed to create some of the saddest, most depressing music I’ve ever heard. I can also honestly say to tread carefully into this wondrous chasm of music.

I can’t think of very many words to describe the sheer beauty and horror of what’s in this music. It can either release what’s been hiding in you for a lifetime or it can summarily send you reeling into its majesty. Those of strong mindset need to hear this release, it’s simply unadulterated sadness.

Release Date: January 21, 2010
Label: Band Self Released

TRACK LISTING

1. January: Entrance for the Ending
2. Funerals of Birth
3. The Old Railway
4. Into the Shroud
5. Life=Nightmare
6. Springtime Depression
     (Forgotten Tomb cover)
7. My Wrecked Branch
8. December: Last Smile of Leaving

Total playing time:  46:33

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Forgive Me - Last Drop of Life