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Band: WitcheR
Album title: Lélekharang
Release date: 8 October 2022
Label: Filosofem Records, Beverina Productions
Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal, Epic Black Metal,
Tracklist:
01. Intro
02. Hamvak
03. Lélekharang
04. Csendesen
05. Hazatérés
06. Moonlight Sonata Op. 27. No. 2. I. Adagio sostenuto (Ludwig van Beethoven cover)
There is some kind-of-a a mystical diabolic aura around the Hungarian duo WitcheR who formed in 2010 and are back with their third full-length album, Lélekharang. Some of you might remember that last year WitcheR released a special dark ambient EP Summernight Melancholy and if somebody feared that the two were to change their style was mistaken. WitcheR with Lélekharang presents what they can do best, and that's epic, eerie and melodic atmospheric black metal. The new album is full of that.
Vocalist/guitarist Roland Neubauer and keyboardist Karola Gere on Lélekharang offer six tracks, of which one is a short, moody piano-driven melancholic intro, and one is a surprising cover of "Moonlight Sonata" by Ludwig van Beethoven. Their love for classical, symphonic and gloomy yet haunting music is notable in every part of the album. The primary influence of these two musicians must be atmospheric black metal and simple dungeon synth from the mid/late 90s. The reference should be Summoning, but WitcheR is far from a mere copy of the legendary Austrian duo, they do their own thing, and they don't sing about the Middle-earth battles, and I must mention that they must be influenced as well by Elderwind, Lustre and Caladan Brood.
WitcheR impresses with evocative song structures and captivating catchy melodies adorned by sparkling ethereal dungeon synths that here and there remind of Lustre and often take the principal role. I don't mind if the lyrics are written and sung in the Hungarian language, it actually adds some magic. The songs are all epic, rich in atmosphere, and melancholic yet warm. The track that stands out is the impressive ten minutes long album titled "Lélekharang", with its mesmerizing main melodic pattern, reminding me a little bit to Wormwood, great keys, and showing that they can reach the right balance between vocals and other instruments. Driving tuned down tremolo guitars, battering artificial drums and barely heard raw bass lines can be compared to early Burzum, but compositions, even if different in style, are a bit reminiscent of the first works of Mortiis.
WitcheR can easily take the listener on a dark journey into the bleak times of humanity. With more dynamic vocals and without some mellow repetitive parts, this album could be a masterclass. Before mentioned epic "Lélekharang" and powerful ethereal blackness named "Csendesen" are the best tracks WitcheR ever did, proof that Karola and Roland can do atmospheric black metal masterpieces. The uplifting symphonic part in cohabitation with fantastic swirling guitars in "Hazatérés" is simply out of this world. Raw production gives some elderly charm. The not-so-original but well-done cover artwork directs the listener into the murky fearful world of WitcheR. In my opinion, the great cover of Ludwig van Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" is a bit misplaced, and if I was to decide, I'll put this on some other release, maybe on an EP or at least use it as a bonus track.
With Lélekharang, WitcheR not only shows that they should be considered a noteworthy player in the impoverished atmospheric/epic black metal genre, but it's also their best work to date. The witchy scenery and soundscapes are perfect, and just with a bit of improvement on vocals, production and overall dynamics, they could shine in their bewitching darkness for real.
The review was written by Tomaz
Rating: 7,5/10
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