When one feels the need to express themselves or let off some steam, one usually writes in their journals, listen to music, paint or perhaps even exercise. Few people compose cathartic symphonies from the comfort of their own bedrooms. Vladimir Cochet is one of these rare beings. Hailing from Switzerland, Vladimir is the brainchild behind the one-man projects such as Unholy Matrimony, Weeping Birth, Deafening Loneliness, and Accursed Journey. His most celebrated project would be Mirrorthrone, an avant-garde, symphonic black metal outfit that can only be described as Igor Stravinsky meets Emperor.
After two album releases ("Of Wind and Weeping" and "Carriers of Dust") and a big buzz amongst the underground metal scene, Mirrorthrone released "Gangrene" in April of 2008.
From the opening track "Dismay," there are significant changes I hear from past releases. One of the biggest knocks of previous Mirrorthrone releases has been the heavy reliance on programmed drum beats that leave the listener empty at times. While, the programmed beats still exists; they have been cleaned up and done tastefully to compliment the driving guitar riffs and piano compositions. In other words, "Gangrene" comes across as a more living, breathing, flesh and blood "human" album that is capable of providing the complex feelings of a human.
I have made 3 tracks from the Gangrene album available below.
The first track, "Dismay," is a song I didn't particular care for from my first experiences with "Gangrene."It has since grown on me and I consider it one of the most unique song on the album. The song runs beautifully through the first six minutes ranging from the baroque classical style symphonic metal we have grown to love from Mirrorthrone to an industrial feel at some points. This song would be perfect if it were only around 6 minutes long; it seems to get bogged down and I am left with the feeling of being stuck in quicksand in the last five minutes of the track.
The second track and my second favorite track on the album, "No One By My Side," is a rather straight forward Mirrorthrone song that is carried greatly by its woeful lyrics.
The final track I included and the final track on the album is entitled, "So Frail," my favorite track on Gangrene and an absolutely beautiful song. "So Frail" is indeed a proper title . Between the song structure and Vlad's vocals, which seems to be at their most vulnerable; one couldn't help but think of the adjective "frail" to describe this song. A gentle breeze could collapse the entire song.
Gangrene may only be six tracks but it is over an hour of some of the most unique metal music you will hear. If you have enjoyed the tracks I provided, you can purchase the entire album at the following link: Mirrorthrone-Gangrene You can also just drop him a message or a comment at Mirrorthrone's Myspace page. He's a really nice guy and typically willing to respond. Enjoy!
Year of Release: 2008
Genre: Avant-Garde Black Metal
Label: Red Stream, Inc.
Country of Origin: Switzerland
Track List
1. Dismay
2. No One By My Side
3. So Frail
Download: Mirrorthrone-Gangrene (Sampler)
Download Size: 55.18 MB
5 comments:
what a daaaark share from such sweet person. thanx Ally!
I'm not really a fan of black metal but I'll give this a try only because it is posted here.
-Wingdeer-
I feel like a boob now for being so skeptical :\ I just finished listening to the first two songs, and I'm listening to the last as I type. The clean vocals sound great, the music is beautiful and dark, and the harsh vocals aren't over the top and unbearable like a lot of black metal can be. Thanks for an excellent share. I'll support this project also.
-Wingdeer-
I'm very picky when it comes to the metal I listen to, but this is excellent stuff. At times it even has more of an industrial sound to it. The opening piano/keyboard sequence to 'No One By My Side' is absolutely haunting and beautiful at the same time and really stood out to me, although 'Dismay' was my favorite track of the three. Great first post!
I'm glad you are enjoying this one. Don't worry, I will post more than black metal. :P
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