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Australian veteran depressive black metal duo Austere has unveiled a sinister video for the epic opening track "Sullen" as the first and only single taken from the duo's forthcoming new full-length, Corrosion Of Hearts, set for release on 28 April.
Austere's guitarist and singer Mitchell Keepin comments: "The first single 'Sullen' is also the first track that we wrote for Corrosion Of Hearts and it has an interesting background. The main riff theme within the track was actually also the first song written for an album that we started working on directly after To Lay Like Old Ashes was released, 13 years ago. For various reasons, that album never came to fruition. Yet the main riff, whilst slightly different at the time, survived. Although it carries a different feel to our previous work, it is a good starting point to pick up the pieces that were left behind so long ago when we decided to rebirth the band. Corrosion Of Hearts, as an album, reflects the opportunity to write additional melodies that we didn't have the time for during the recording of our previous album. This allowed us to deliver a bigger soundscape carried by epic melodies in an atmospheric way. It feels great to be able to expand further and venture into new waters. 'Sullen' is an important track for us as it was the catalyst for Austere to reignite the flames that are burning within us".
Austere is back. The Australians return with their third album - being as laconic and without any pretensions as when they went into extended hibernation after the release of their sophomore full-length, To Lay like Old Ashes, in 2009.
Entitled Corrosion Of Hearts, the new tracks stay true to the path Austere has carved; the multi-layered and harsh yet often dreamlike guitar tapestries woven by Mitchell Keepin, are complemented by the emotive drumming of Tim Yatras, who also contributes keyboard splashes and cinematic soundscapes. Both also contribute vocals that cover the full spectrum of their genre and range from throat-ripping growls via desolate screams to clear voices. In the typical manner of these Australians, their songs are still meandering, flowing streams of musical thought of epic proportions.
The sonic heritage of Austere is apparent. Their inspiration derives from the early Norse black metal scene and its depressive offspring but also stretches further to the gentler and more emotional approach of blackgaze. Despite or maybe even because of the width of the influences, the Australians have found their own answers to the musical paradox inherent in this style, which is both fast and slow, aggressive and melancholic.
On "Corrosion of Hearts", Austere's brand of black metal has evolved into a more mature and defined form of expression, which is hardly surprising as both musicians were active in other bands during their hiatus. The duo also took more time to craft its new songs into exactly what they were supposed to sound like than before.
Austere developed out of an existing solo project of multi-instrumentalist and singer, Desolate alias Mitchell Keepin, who joined forces with drummer, keyboard player, and vocalist Sorrow aka Tim Yatras, in 2005. The Australians set out to explore the dark emotional corners of so-called depressive black metal but soon began to broaden their musical horizon into new territories.
Their signature frost-bitten guitar sound, alongside high-pitched screams and wails, already marked Austere's debut album, Withering Illusions And Desolation (2007). They kept their sound raw but added more melancholic moments and evolved into a more melodic approach.
Although the Australians had quickly attracted an equally loyal and substantial following during their first few years, Austere decided to go on a prolonged hiatus before resuming activities in 2021. The reformed duo found themselves in the unexpected but very welcome situation that its reputation and fanbase had grown considerably during their absence by word of mouth.
With rekindled passion and a clear vision, Austere is finally ready to release its eagerly and long-awaited third full-length, Corrosion Of Hearts. Beautiful yet proudly grim, a fierce black storm rises from Down Under.
"Sullen" awaits you right below. Link
Corrosion Of Hearts tracklist:
1. Sullen
2. A Ravenous Oblivion
3. The Poisoned Core
4. Pale
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