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Review: Vargrav - Encircle the Spectral Dimension
Vargrav
www.facebook.com/Vargravofficial
Encircle the Spectral Dimension

Label: Werewolf Records
Year released: 2023
Duration: 21:36
Tracks: 4
Genre: Black Metal

Rating: 3.5/5

Review online: May 8, 2023
Reviewed by: Michel Renaud
Readers Rating
for:
Encircle the Spectral Dimension

Rated 4.17/5 (83.33%) (6 Votes)
Review

I thought this was an EP, but it's a "maxi single." Doesn't matter. Four songs here, the title track will be on their upcoming third album, then "The Glory of Eternal Night" was on a bonus 7" included with the vinyl edition of their debut, Netherstorm, then an Emperor cover ("Ancient Queen") and finally a live version of "Netherstorm" recorded at Steelfest 2019.

This is symphonic black metal, which rarely crosses my desk nowadays for some reason, so it's kind of keyboard-heavy but Vargrav use them effectively, creating an effective atmosphere that comes off dark enough. It's pretty fast black metal but not overly so and it's polished enough, as can be expected in the symphonic subgenre. At times I'm reminded a bit of Limbonic Art, and coming from me, that's a compliment. The vocals are raspy and a little back in the mix, which I found give an ever darker and somewhat mysterious vibe to the songs. I never bothered to check these guys out before, but after listening to Encircle the Spectral Dimension, I'm going to have to add their albums to my to-do list.

Other related information on the site
Review: Reign in Supreme Darkness (reviewed by MetalMike)
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