Profane Burial's 'Desolate Echoes of Turmoil' is an intriguing yet somewhat fragmented journey through the realms of symphonic black metal. The album, a collaboration between members of renowned bands like Borknagar, Trollfest, Funeral, and Haimad, aims to offer a refreshing escape from the scorching summer heat. However, the listener is left with a mixed experience, as the album's strength lies in its innovative approach while its coherence falters.
The album's opening track, 'Den Fortaptes Krønike', sets the tone with a mesmerizing guitar passage, drawing the listener into a soothing, melodic world. This is a bold departure from the traditional black metal expectations, and it's a fascinating choice to begin the album. The use of tempo changes and varied instrumentation, including soaring guitar solos and lurching single-note riffs, showcases Profane Burial's willingness to push boundaries. Kjetil Ytterhus' vocal performance, a blend of traditional black metal growls and icy breath, adds a chilling layer to the music.
However, the album's cohesion is a concern. The frequent shifts between black metal fury and symphonic passages, while creative, leave the listener disoriented. The isolated piano, grandiose symphonies, and choirs, though appealing individually, feel like out-of-place guests in the frigid forest cabin of Desolate Echoes of Turmoil. The album's midpoint, 'Channeling Epiphany', is a prime example of this fragmentation, with abrupt transitions between palm-muted triplet stomping and dramatic piano performances. This lack of seamless integration between sections can be jarring and may detract from the overall listening experience.
One of the album's strengths is its ability to provide a reprieve from the heat. The penultimate track, 'Horror Code, Pt 2', stands out for its natural transitions and unified approach. The interplay of weeping guitar melodies and backing vocal chorus creates a melancholic atmosphere, offering a moment of respite from the chaos. This track showcases the band's talent and their ability to create a cohesive and captivating musical journey.
In my opinion, 'Desolate Echoes of Turmoil' is a bold experiment in the black metal genre. While it may not be a perfect album, it is a testament to the band's creativity and willingness to explore new territories. The album's fragmented nature may be a result of the band's desire to showcase their diverse musical influences, but it also leaves the listener with a sense of unease. Perhaps, the album's true beauty lies in its ability to challenge the listener's expectations and offer a unique, albeit disjointed, musical experience.
Personally, I think that the album's lack of cohesion is a missed opportunity. The band has the talent and the ideas, but the execution could have been more seamless. The album's potential to offer a refreshing escape from the summer heat is undeniable, but the listener is left with a sense of frustration. Perhaps, the band should have focused on refining their vision and creating a more cohesive musical journey. Nevertheless, the album's innovative approach and the band's dedication to pushing boundaries are commendable.
In conclusion, 'Desolate Echoes of Turmoil' is a fascinating and thought-provoking album, but it may not be for the faint of heart. The listener is left with a sense of awe and confusion, questioning the album's true purpose. The album's fragmented nature may be its greatest strength, offering a unique and challenging listening experience. However, it may also be its greatest weakness, leaving the listener with a sense of dissatisfaction. Either way, the album is a testament to the band's creativity and their willingness to take risks. It is a must-listen for fans of experimental black metal, but it may not be for everyone.
