Watain - Lawless Darkness

August 19, 2010

Lawless Darkness is a massive album, and took me several spins to even begin absorbing it. Black metal’s barbaric backbone is still here, but it is often concealed by a dense tangle of melodic riffs and haunting lead guitar. Context is key here; parts of the album would not sound out of place on a traditional heavy metal album, but these elements are held firmly in check by the more direct up-tempo riffing that forms the core of the songs.   Erik Dainelsson’s vocals are essentially the same harsh, blackend rasp that we have come to expect from him, the only real difference is that the lyrics are enunciated a little more clearly than on previous albums.  Despite this minor adjustment, Danielsson’s voice drips with menace and he sounds as caustic as ever.

Overall, Watain’s increased emphasis on melody creates an interesting contrast to the album's more traditional black metal elements. At a glance, it would appear that the band are reaching for a more commercial sound. But after listening to the album, it is hard for me to believe that this is the case. Lawless Darkness is a sprawling epic, checking in at over 70 minutes long. The songs themselves meander along at their own pace, and it can be difficult for the listener to differentiate between them. It is not that the songs sound the same, it's more that they are all cut from the same cloth.  Although there is no obvious filler here, my gut feeling is that the album is about 15 minutes too long.  Nothing specific stands out as excessive, I just think that Watain could have made their point more effectively by condensing some of these ideas.  In the end, the album is better taken as a whole than as a collection of individual songs.

As the tracks roll by, Lawless Darkness feels like it is leading you on a journey down a dark, winding road. The trip itself is enjoyable enough, but the destination is the real treat.
“Waters of Ain“, the 14 minute final track, is easily the highlight of the album. Watain strike just the right balance between melody and aggression, giving the listener a brief glimpse at the potential of the more diverse approach that they took with this album. Outside of the blistering “Reaping Death“, and the expansive “Wolves Curse“; the rest of the album seems to shine only in spots, with parts of songs jumping out at you while the majority of the music blends together. Lawless Darkness ends up being a very good album that hints at greatness, falling just short.

Watain have taken another step up from the bowels of the underground; however they are still very much a black metal band, both in sound and aesthetic. Lawless Darkness is really more of a realignment of priorities within the band’s established sound than a change in direction. The most hardened of black metal fans might be put off by this, but I suspect that most will embrace it.

Release Date: June 7th 2010
Label: Season of Mist

TRACK LISTING

1.  Death’s Cold Dark
2.  Malfeitor
3.  Reaping Death
4.  Four Thrones
5.  Wolves Curse
6.  Lawless Darkness
7.  Total Funeral
8.  Hymn To Qayin
9.  Kiss of Death
10.  Waters of Ain

Total playing time:  1:13:28

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Reviewer: Garett