Vircolac – Veneration
Release Date: 23rd February 2024
Label: Sepulchral Voice Records (Europe) / Dark Descent Records (US)
Bandcamp
Genre: Death Metal, Black Metal.
FFO: Kvaen, Skeletonwitch, Tribulation, Imperialist.
Review By: Carlos Tirado
Sometimes, as a reviewer, breaking out of one’s comfort zone becomes increasingly challenging with age and experience. Comfort, in this context, seems to expand rather than contract, a notion that might defy common sense. Nonetheless, our mandate is to remain open to change. When I selected Veneration, I relied solely on its cover to gauge its quality, opting not to preview any songs or teasers. I sought to be pleasantly surprised by the album. While it’s often said that you can judge a metal album by its cover, the crucial question remains: Does the content match the allure of the artwork?
Placing Veneration within a specific category proves challenging, as each track presents a distinct experience. While the album maintains a stylistic and tonal consistency reminiscent of old-school Blackened Death metal, individual songs exhibit considerable diversity. From the emotionally charged gravitas of dramatic intros like The Lament I Am Calling You to the straight-to-the-point Death N’ Roll vibe of tracks like Unrepentant, the album covers a broad spectrum. Moreover, epic tracks such as She is Calling Me I. War II. Death III. Redemption (despite their unconventional song titles that disregard English grammar) showcase Vircolac‘s more innovative and unique side, though they don’t delve into progressive territory.
The standout features of Veneration are undoubtedly the vocals and guitar tone, paying homage to the raw energy of 90s Black metal. While this could be perceived as a revival of Heavy Metal within a retro framework, the production quality allows for a clear appreciation of the band’s textured sound. Even the drums, while not particularly dazzling, consistently complement the overall composition. Yet, despite the album’s enjoyable qualities, it doesn’t introduce anything groundbreaking in terms of themes or execution.
Perhaps my primary qualm with the album lies in its tendency towards excessive retro metal stylings, which may not align with my personal tastes. While I commend the band’s efforts to create a cohesive listening experience, I find myself questioning the album’s overall impact after repeated listens. While each track stands out individually, together they fail to significantly enhance or diminish one another. While Veneration doesn’t reach many lows, it also doesn’t achieve many highs.
In summary, Veneration is a commendable album that offers an intriguing twist on a familiar formula, staying true to its cover art aesthetic. While it may not revolutionize the genre, it’s a straightforward, highly accessible offering that won’t demand too much of your time. It’s a low-risk, moderate-reward investment, making it worth considering for fans of Death and Black.
(3.5 / 5)
