Resurrection for Barkasth.
Led since 2015 from Ukraine by Arkhonth (composition/lyrics/all instruments), the project now joined by Vlad (drums/mixing/mastering, Drudkh, Precambrian, Windswept…) unveils its third album, Silent Torment, with the help of Mara Production.
When Dawn Refuses to Break opens the album with an unapologetic coldness, initially offering a touch of melancholy in its melodies, then becoming far more aggressive when the vocals kick in, unleashing a true wild fury. There are a few more structured and shrill passages thanks to the harmonics, but the track remains primarily focused on violence, just like Beneath Ashen Skies, which immediately follows and imposes its perfectly oppressive atmosphere. The track itself remains extremely heavy throughout its riffs, which effortlessly sweep us along as our heads bang, then Embers Gone Cold grants us a moment to breathe as its intro intensifies and adopts intriguing old-school touches before launching into a rather catchy groove where the guitars occasionally quiet their fire. The intense sections eventually lead us to Before the First Shot, where piercing lead guitar riffs multiply, supporting the growls and explosive drums that give the track a catchy edge; then No Place to Hide offers a mid-tempo opening that provides a moment of respite without ever truly letting their darkness fade. The track, however, quickly gives way to Black as a Nightmare and its haunting melodies that wind like shadows in the night, capturing not only our minds and attention but also our headbanging as the vocalist delivers a gripping performance. The title track Silent Torment then takes over, offering a fairly consistent, intoxicating rhythm that is once again broken by the interplay of drums and harmonics, which brings a bit of diversity to the heavy yet rather gloomy flow; but Stay Away drives the point home with its relentless, stultifying consistency, which the band doesn’t hesitate to exploit before accelerating to unleash its final waves of darkness.
I have absolutely no complaints about Barkasth, the album flows so seamlessly. No matter what aspect of Black Metal you enjoy, Silent Torment will resonate with you, especially when the musicians let loose regardless of the atmosphere.
90/100
