Andracca – To Bare The Weight Of Death

Written by on 21-01-2024 at 20:39.

Lancashire, England and North-Wales: there lie the foundations, roots or whatever you want to call it, of black metal band Andracca. This quartet scored a nice deal with renowned Vendetta records for their second album, To Bare The Weight Of Death. A record label that always knows how to find and release quality black metal like Woe, Beenkerver, Abkehr, Glemsel, Ildsær, Naxen, Scitalis, Vukari, Yith and many others. It continues to be a fascinating activity to follow releases from the black metal scene and so we roll into a new year, this record slated for a 2024 release.

How do we, as human beings, deal with the death of a loved one? Do we accept it or do we not? One way or another, you will have to. You just have to move on, but you will be different. In this respect you can describe the album as having a cathartic character. You can really feel the different stages from loss to acceptance on this album; not only in the musical, vocal or lyrical aspect but even in the production.

The opening song and title track of the album shows that the four band members have all gone through their misery, sadness and acceptance in one way or another, or perhaps there is still one who is stuck in one phase or another. In any case, the emotionally weighed down guitar themes sound very sensitive and dreary, at both high and low tempos. Heart-piercing guttural sounds are flanked by howling guitars in the first burning bars of Rise, Or Be Forever Fall’n. Dismal soloing and clattering bass guitar violence entwine an arsenal of wonderfully and evil sounds from the underground. The only downside is the somewhat peculiar sound of the toms. But come on, let’s stop nagging and keep listening!

Because what magnificent moments still await you after this one!  Listen to the sloshing, chattering dynamics on Oceans Of Fire. Don’t forget to place your hopes on the masterful, melodic riff parts or the excellent soloing in Antithesis Of Hope. Onwards to Lamentations Of Divinity and Hollow Altars, the pinnacle of acceptance that death will always be at your side.

In conclusion: could it be true? 2023 was a great year with excellent black metal releases. Will 2024 go in the same direction? This may be a bit early, but I am sure Andracca will appear on many year lists with this To Bare The Weight Of Death. Excellent record! This will surely end up in my top three!

Score:

95/100

Label:

Vendetta Records, 2024

Tracklisting:

  1. To Bear The Weight Of Death
  2. Rise, Or Be Forever Fall’n
  3. Oceans Of Fire
  4. Antithesis Of Hope
  5. Lamentation Of Divinity
  6. Hollow Altars

Line-up:

  • K. DWS – Vocals, guitar
  • P. BND – Bassguitar
  • K.VKS – Guitar
  • L. FOG – Drums

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