It's been a few good years now that post-black metal has become an established subgenre. In that time, I've managed to narrow down what exactly it is that draws me to the style and that is, more and more as times goes on, the haggard and extreme emotional states which it channels. This is why I absolutely adore Malevich's new release, Under a Gilded Sun, which I'm proud to be premiering here today. It has this super interesting approach to blackened screamo or post-black or whatever you want to call it that utilizes open spaces and atmosphere to enhance the pain and rage which it channels. We've got the full thing for you below but my recommendation is to listen to "Cross of Gold" into "Delirium and Confidence", the third and fourth track on the album. Or don't do that, I'm not the boss of you. OK, let's go.
I just love first the directness of "Cross of Gold", squeezing every second of its just over two minutes runtime to deliver those gut-punch vocals straight to your heart. And then "Delirium and Confidence" doubles down, mixing up faster, black metal rhythms with more drawn out compositions that really accentuate the abrasive vocals. There's plenty more interesting stuff, like the absolutely chilling clean vocals and acoustic guitars coupled with warm, fuzzy doom riffs on "Illusion Never Changed" or the synth heavy breakdowns of "Into Bliss" plus plenty of more black metal breakneck riffs throughout.
Bottom line, if you're a fan of screamo, black metal, and even sludge and noise, this album has something for you. It's one of the albums from these spaces that has most affected me most this year, with its compositions laser-focused on impact and mood. Pre-order it above before it drops this Friday. Do it!