MESSIER 16
Death Poems SELF-RELEASED
Oslo’s progressive black metallers seek insight into tragedy
PRESS/NICK HODGSON
Four sets of final texts across different periods of time is the inspiration behind the second album from this Oslo-based progressive black metal band. Its concept could have backfired were the subject matter not dealt with so sensitively, as vocalist Sondre M. Svalastog attempts to get into the mindset of his protagonists. Musically, Death Poems is just as ambitious as its concept, as heavy layers of synthesised strings and classical instrumentation provide light to the blastbeats and demonic vocals. The production lets things down slightly in the album’s heavier moments, sounding slightly thin for an album with such grand aspirations, but all in all, Death Poems is a committed work that any fan of progressive black metal should check out.