ALBUM REVIEW
CHAMBER OF UNLIGHT - Avernus
Dark, atmospheric, mesmerizing.
I've always had a deep appreciation for Finnish black metal. That's why reviewing CHAMBER OF UNLIGHT's new album, "Avernus," a release that had previously flown under my radar, turned out to be both a genuine pleasure and a rewarding discovery. I can honestly say it delivered everything I look for in this style of music. Before diving into the album itself, though, I'd like to briefly introduce CHAMBER OF UNLIGHT, a band I only recently discovered myself.
Founded in 2016, the Finnish outfit began as a solo project by its founding member, Necrosis. A seasoned musician with experience in numerous bands across the Finnish metal scene, he expanded the project in 2021 by bringing in drummer LRH, whose résumé also includes notable acts such as BYTHOS, HORNA, and DEATHCHAIN. With the addition of guitarist Leper, the band released its debut album, "Realm of the Night," combining the spirit of '90s Finnish black metal with a more modern black metal approach. Following the album's release, bassist VnoM, guitarist Infection, and keyboardist Spellgoth joined the lineup to complete the band's live roster.
After a five-year hiatus following that album, the band now returns with the same lineup and its new full-length, "Avernus." The album's sound is genuinely impressive. I can confidently say they've taken the blend of '90s black metal and modern black metal that defined their debut to the next level here. Fans of this style will likely find it nostalgic in one sense, while at the same time appreciating that it never feels disconnected from contemporary black metal.
The album features eight tracks, each averaging around four minutes in length, and every one of them includes vocals. I'd like to single out Necrosis' vocal performance here. I found him genuinely outstanding. When I listen to black metal, vocals have always been the element that draws me in the most. I believe it's often the vocalist who gives a band its soul. Of course, that's entirely a personal preference. Beyond that, drummer LRH and keyboardist Spellgoth were the other musicians who stood out to me throughout the album. I think they play a major role in shaping both its overall atmosphere and its sound.
I enjoyed every track on the album. That said, my clear favorite is the fifth song, 'The Dagger.' It's the kind of track that pulls you in instantly and can easily be played several times in a row without losing its impact. My other favorites are the seventh track, 'Where Light Does Not Bare to Enter,' and the epic closing piece, 'Dominus Tenebrarum,' which stands apart from the rest of the album with its grand, sweeping character. I especially think the seventh track is tailor-made for the stage. Its lyrics and overall structure feel perfectly suited to drawing a powerful response from a live audience.
As you've probably gathered, I enjoyed the album's second half considerably more than its first, which isn't something I come across very often. I think that alone says a great deal about the album's overall quality. What we have here is a carefully crafted record with a high level of musicianship. I believe fans of the genre will get a great deal of enjoyment out of this album. At the very least, I can say that without hesitation for myself.
EYLEM