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Erstwhile
“Steeling of a Soul” (Independent, 2023)

Erstwhile is another example of the momentum the USBM scene is going through now.

I recall how the USA were hardly mentioned when it came to Black Metal, and in the last few years I have been discovering more and more top-notch bands from the US, which shows the things have been changing. Well, the US always had amazing acts: Judas Iscariot and Leviathan being amongst my favorite, but then we have all the Cascadian scene, and the Raw Black Metal scene, and this and that. In less than 10 years the USBM scene has grown exponentially and provided the World with amazing Black Metal.

Erstwhile is another example of the momentum the USBM scene is going through now.

I recall getting a message from a mate telling me to check this ASAP; it did take a while to check, but once I did, it stuck. “Barren Land of Grief” is a superb fusion of Black Metal with a frozen and icy atmosphere, melancholic melodies, and this heavy ambient. This is all the work of Summoner, from Mystic Veil, on all instruments, and Lord Ivel, from Eternal Tomb, Mystic Veil, and Nirmolak, on vocals. Honestly, this information is what matters least. But check out their other projects.

“Steeling of a Soul” is a 4-track EP, Black Metal, Melancholic, Post… it has a bit of a lot, and it ends up being a Hell of a release, very dynamic and alive! The guitars work perfectly in that sense: keep you on a specific tempo, you know? The drums are right there, next to it, providing the goods. “River of Death” showcases impeccably what I mean when I praise the drumming. The vocals are a deranged and depressive act that fits like a glove in the instrumental part. The production is clear enough to allow us to understand all that is going on, without sounding too clean, without losing that essence that comes from the dusty and rusty approach, and that so many of us love.

Little more needs to be said. Erstwhile is Black Metal, a beautifully crafted fusion of melodies and atmospheres, depressive details, and Post & Shoegaze moments, “dirty” and “raw” production. Enjoy it.

Erstwhile Official Bandcamp




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