Label: Kernkraftritter Records
Genre: Atmospheric/Melodic Black Metal
Length: 46:15
Today, I'd like to introduce you to another black metal band I discovered this year, Conjuring. This Swiss one-man band made their way onto the scene with two previous albums, Universus released in 2021 and Vis Naturae in 2023, both on the German label Kernkraftritter. Last July, Conjuring returned with a third opus entitled Odium, again with the same label.
A Cold Journey with Odium
Odium is a 46-minute album that opens with natural sounds accompanied by a soft melody. But don't let this soothing opening fool you. Within seconds, the atmosphere shifts to reveal a carefully crafted, melodic, atmospheric Black Metal. The album's songwrting are long, complex and cold, yet they follow a coherent musical structure.
The riffs are particularly sharp and melodic, while the drumming is striking right from the first track, Ignis In Corde. The vocals are high-pitched and screaming, clearly reflecting the Scandinavian influences of Conjuring. I should point out that I haven't yet listened to the other two albums, but I really liked the songwriting of this one-man band.
Standout Tracks on Odium
Among the standout tracks on this album, Fragore explodes with its progressive tempo changes and a remarkable bass line. This track perfectly embodies the essence of atmospheric Black Metal that Conjuring so masterfully delivers. The track Finem Generis Humani, followed by the title track Odium, showcases an impressive vocal performance, supported by intense drumming that alternates between powerful blast beats and more subdued moments. These rhythmic variations add an extra layer of depth to the album, making it even more immersive. Another track that caught my attention is Silva. This piece stands out with its uninterrupted melodies and remarkably crafted structure. It's no surprise that this track has become one of the highlights of my 2024 playlist.
Conclusion
Conjuring's album Odium is a true triumph for fans of atmospheric and melodic Black Metal. Each track is a deep dive into a dark and melodic universe, with complex compositions that captivate from the very first listen. And I look forward to exploring more of the band's first two albums in the coming days.