Liminal Shroud – Visions of Collapse
Release Date: 5th July 2024
Label: Willowtip Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Black Metal, Post-Metal.
FFO: Frigoris, Grima, Falls of Rauros, Obsidian Tongue.
Review By: Ceta
I’ve been following Liminal Shroud for a while now. I’ve seen how it started as a black metal band with progressive and melodic death metal touches, evolving into a band that sounds like Sodomisery’s progressive version. In my book, their last album was an excellent step forward. Hence, I’m wondering where Visions of Collapse will fit in such a consistent discography.
Visions of Collapse represents a significant step forward from Liminal Shroud‘s previous album, delving deeper into a depressive/melancholic approach to black metal. The tracks, although lengthy, remain engaging due to their intricate compositions. They are full of changes, ups, and downs, but the transitions are so elegant you might not even notice. You’ve been listening to two or three tracks that span around 30 minutes before you get something resembling a break.
The album possesses a distinct emotional depth that, as I mentioned before, reminds me of Sodomisery, Frigoris, or Obsidian Tongue—black metal bands with a strong preference for melodic ideas that almost make them sound like a melodic death metal band straight out of Finland. This is something you can also find in this new release. I’m happy to see that this school of black metal is not only getting stronger, but also dropping quality albums every year.
Critics of polished and “pretty” black metal might find this album less appealing because it emphasizes sadness and awe over aggression. I think it has its place in the black/post-metal landscape, but don’t expect crazy amounts of hostility or riffs that split you in two. It’s more of a journey into a bleak and chaotic world.
Overall, Liminal Shroud has delivered one of the standout black metal albums of the year. I’m not sure if it’s top ten material yet, but it’s certainly different from most of the releases I’ve listened to this year. It gave me a bit of fresh air by feeling heavy and relaxed at the same time. It’s hard to describe—you’ll have to test it yourself!
(4 / 5)
