Artist: Ysbrydnos
Title: Welsh Mythical Darkness
Type: Album
Label: Digital / Nocturnal Curse
It’s been just over a year since Ysbryd’s previous Ysbrydno EP Siant Derwyddol graced these pages and so I was understandably intrigued by what might be next. And I think its fair to say that though this full album is most definitely Ysbrydnos, it is a view from a slightly different position from the more historical/folklore linked EP. But never fear this is still full of Welsh spirit and pride.
‘Silurian Steel’ opens with a riff almost raw edged power metal but as the vocals come in it begins to whip up the Ysbrydnos sound of razor sharp but raw edged music. It’s a tumultuous introduction, tempo shifts and hooks aplenty and a fine rise in a bitter melody midway. A howl of defiance indeed, flag planted.
‘The Moon Eyed Ones’ is a strange one. There is a real punk edge to the opening, and as keyboards flow in and the tempo slows it draws in darkness and a sense of the wild and an almost discordant melody melding folk with a 90s Norwegian sound. I love this, the way it sways and cuts across its own melody with the buzz guitar. Again there is a heavy metal sensibility here too in the insistent riff. Yet all this comes together in a truly strange atmosphere and sound perfect for the lyrical content.
‘Fullmoon Over Mynyddcerig’ is an absolutely ice cold song. A feel of those winds that you only get in the Welsh wilderness, winter bristling on its edge. It definitely harks back to that 90s feel but there is a fresh, frosty glint of today in the compostion. Yes this is raw but in the best sense; it has vitality and a perfect feel of bone chilling evil in the vocals and that guitar tone, fine edge but cutting like a jagged old blade, brings a sense of age to the music too. The softer moments, flute sounds once more, fit perfectly, spreading the feeling of the other world beautifully.
‘A Fallow Harvest’ is an angry song. The fields are mixed with blood, soil once rich now mud. A grim eyed view of the people who died upon it, worked it, and still whsiper as you walk those same places. It is a harsh song, not a romantic one or one of longing; simply the cold eyed echo of what actually was. Superb guitar work, thoughtful and so varied vocal tones, a slow acoustic lament to fade…perfect. ‘Siege Of Ravenclaw’ by contrast is ravenous; surging riff, the vocals sounding like some predator crow full of hunger, some demon flying silently through the shadows. This is pure raw black metal; sharp and dark and to the point. It is draped in the cloak of atmosphere and pacts taken in haste regretted. ‘The Grinning Death’ dips us in the blood of folklore, the redcaps stalking over the moors. Feeding on blood and bone. A slow tempo, a hunger that is raw but a movement that is deliberate. No pretence, no grandiose claims; theme and music is red stained and brutal.
The album closes with the epic title track. Cold winds, a beautiful acoustic guitar, percussion pattering, a feel that you are there with the music as it warms you and then the most wonderful riff. It has passion in its folds, a drive that seems drawn from a deep wellspring of centuries. Mix a little hint of Forefather, make it supremely Welsh, and the guitar alone could carry you on. The vocals once more are just so good; howling but with fierce pride, the guitar work rising to meet them. Hearts to the sun, hands to the soil…. To the mountains above and the valleys beneath our feet; raise your voices and scream out with me. The heavy metal guitar breaks are once more superb, perfect for taking that passion by the heart and pushing it higher. Hands down the best song Ysbrydnos have ever done. What an ending.
Welsh Mythical Darkness is a fantastic example of raw, passionate and violently vivid black metal. Deep in its lore, intelligent in design but most of all expressive as all Hell let loose with blades of Silurian steel. It will absolutely not disappoint.
Gizmo
Walking The Liminal Space 