(c) Riccardo Giordani
How long can this tip remain secret? Drown In Sulphur have what it takes to be a big hit. Their sound combines brutal black metal approaches from the 90s with deathcore intensity, which can be a little more bombastic. On their second album, the Italians cultivate exactly that with growing enthusiasm: „Dark Secrets Of The Soul“ sees itself as an introspective journey in search of one’s own spirituality, even creepily underlined by vampiric ideas.
Especially in the title song, what belongs together comes together wonderfully: “Dark Secrets Of The Soul” takes a long time to spread its oversized wings before Behemoth, Fleshgod Apocalypse and Dimmu Borgir come together – angry, oppressive, oppressive, even in the most brutal symphonic moments enthralled by synergies. Drown In Sulfur rides on a powder keg for almost six minutes, with the ponderous transition into the final third including the melodic guitar solo being particularly good. You didn’t necessarily expect sounds like that, but it’s this finish that really puts you in a good mood.
“Eclipse Of The Sun Of Eden” is also strong, going straight into full swing after the album intro and dissecting everything with growing enthusiasm. The Italians’ deathcore approach comes through well here, technically adept and surrounded by destructive intensity. Combined with black metal dramaturgy, the result is a broken piece of music that feels like it’s getting in its own way – in the best sense of the word, of course. The way “Unholy Light” combines compact riffing with swinging fists to create a post-apocalyptic anthem also knows how to entertain. The mangy continuous fire drives through your bones.
“Dark Secrets Of The Soul” thrives on dark brutality and constant contradictions. What shouldn’t make sense, at least in theory, comes together perfectly. The Deathcore undertones are what really make this record, because Drown In Sulfur know exactly how to play their unique Black Metal. Technical demands, symphonic bombast and brute force wallow in a dark atmosphere and turn the spiritual search into a nightmarish journey. What a fascinating steam hammer.
Rating: 8/10
Available from: January 12, 2024
Available via: Scarlet Records
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wedrowninsulphur
Category: Magazin, Reviews