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Band: Iscuron
Album title: The Nothing Has Defeated Atreyu
Release date: 11 January 2021
Label: Self-Released
Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal/Medieval Black Metal
Tracklist:
01. The Silent Storm
02. Princess Of A Dead Land
03. Mighty Winter Night
04. Everlasting Realm
05. The Nothing Has Defeated Atreyu
06. Caterina 1667
07. In The Darkness
In my view, one of the most beautiful places in the whole Italy is its northern region, so I justify myself by invoking the nature that for me is what matters most, forests, mountains and the like. And from the northern forests of Italy arose in 2020, Iscuron, a one-man black metal project. Iscuron's mentor is a reserved and solitary entity, passionate about mythology and medieval stories from his land. In his journeys, through the woods, he is inspired by the ethereal and mysterious atmosphere. The uncanny name of Iscuron came from the local dialect of the small mountain village where he lives and means "in the darkness".
On 11th January, Iscuron self-released his debut album The Nothing Has Defeated Atreyu. The album was written, composed and produced during the first phase of the Covid-19 crisis. The Nothing Has Defeated Atreyu has seven tracks and comprises a little over 37 minutes. The music style is symphonic/atmospheric/medieval black metal with electronic components. Heavily influenced by the mid 90s black metal scene, and I even see many similarities with early Dimmu Borgir. Mainly the Dimmu's album For All Tid. But make no mistake, I don't think this is negative at all. I liked the album, I like the medieval atmosphere, and all the melody and drama, as well as how the musician has implemented electronics, still all the elements of traditional black metal are there. Thus, explosive drums, fierce and raw guitar tremolos and vocals are surrounded by melody and different classical and folk instruments. Especially attractive to me is the vocal. It is strong, hoarse, serious and combines with the instruments. It is not squeaky like at some vocalists. Namely, it really bothers me most when a vocalist spoils all-instrumental work with a stupidly out of tune vocals, that overlays the instrumental, annihilating the music.
The album is not conceptual, and each track has its attributes. The most interesting thing is that the themes are explored through fantasy metaphors for real experiences and why not say of a very present-day; especially this humankind's wrong self-illusion of progress and centrality in the larger picture of nature and history. The artwork was created by the Russian artist and painter Mosaeye, responsible for cover albums of different bands. You can take a look at his work here. The Nothing Has Defeated Atreyu is an interesting listening experience it feels like being thrown back in the 90s. If I didn't know that the album was released in 2021, I would say that I was facing something more primitive and that it had escaped my hands in the past. The album is not massive, the tracks are not that long, and it is certainly not one of those albums that you hear once and never again.
About the tracks specifically, I have to say that my favourite ones are "The Silent Storm", "Mighty Winter Night", "The Nothing Has Defeated Atreyu" and "In The Darkness". I included them in the playlist that I listen before I go to sleep. This medieval atmosphere of the 90s takes me to the realm of fantasy. I already look forward to the next album, since Iscuron will certainly refine his style and bring yet even more intricate and epic albums in the future. Just don't overdo the electronics! This time, Iscuron only distributes his album digitally but does not rule out the possibility of future collaborations and physical releases. If you like 90s medieval stuff or early Dimmu Borgir and also Limbonic Art like me, you should give it a spin.
The review was written by Felin Frost
Rating: 7,5/10
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