Black metal has the rare ability to capture a number of intangible characteristics like complex emotional states and seasonal nuances. It is personally the biggest allure of the genre. Ever since the earliest waves of black metal, the music has exuded an icy aura. It makes a perfect soundtrack for frigid, winter days. Classic bands like Emporer and Immortal were innovators of this stylistic freeze, their Scandinavian roots pierced the very construct of their music. It is a treat when this ancestral sound finds its way into present day black metal. It is what makes the debut album from the Colorado-based, one-man force of Grok.
A Spineless Descent premiered at Invisible Oranges on Tuesday. The album, which sees its release this at the end of this week, is a striking blend of melody and dissonance. The eight songs graft gritty guitars and drums onto radiant synth. E's caustic vocals seem to ring out from the top of the distant, frozen Rockies. The product of over two years of work towards this album melts together into a shimmering reflection of decades past for black metal.
Grok's debut, A Spineless Descent, sees its release through EEE Recordings for CD and digital formats this Friday. A limited cassette release of 100 tapes through Cloister Recordings is scheduled for January 1. If you reside in Europe, Underground Soundscapes is handling another 100 tapes. Check out the album below and make sure to snag a copy!
