Well, spank my arse and call me a bitch – this EP is the dog’s bollocks.
There are probably a million other ways that I could have started this review (perhaps with a little bit of information about the band, a comment on the weather or intimate details of the dream I had last night), but I think the above statement sums things up perfectly. In fact, I highly doubt that anything else needs to be said… but since I’m here I may as well ramble on a little bit more. It’s only polite.
So, Herfst are back with their seductively dark blend of ‘necromantic’ metal. For the uninitiated, this means that they play deliciously dark metal that violates your soul in an undeniably pleasant way.
If you were lucky enough to hear “Necrotica” then you should have some idea of what to expect here (and, if you haven’t listened to that album yet, what are you waiting for? Do it now!). The songs continue the tradition set on that release by being amazingly well-crafted and insanely memorable. We’re treated to various styles of vocals (in “Tonight it Descends” we get several styles in one song – it’s like Christmas and my birthday have come at once) and each one serves to add yet another layer to the sound. Also, the guitar in “Tonight it Descends” gives me goosebumps. No idea why. I like it though…
Listening to this EP is like wandering around an almost deserted spooky mansion. You hear footsteps behind you, but you never see anyone there. Was it just an echo? Curtains flap around as if caught by a gust of wind, but the air is still. Your journey through the house brings you to a dimly lit room, where – through a crack in the door – you see Lovecraft hunged over a desk, frantically writing away. Suddenly, without warning, you hear breathing behind you. Strong, deep breaths. You turn slowly, knowing the inevitable. The Cthulhu is behind you. So, yeah, the music sounds like the soundtrack to that. There you go!
I rated “Necrotica” at 97% back when I reviewed it in June 2011 and I was thoroughly impressed with it. Amazingly, Herfst have improved since then. I generally don’t like to award 100% marks to EPs (I usually like to have something longer to sink my teeth into), but this little beauty is too good not to.
If you’re in the mood for some dark metal, with touches of Black Metal, Goth Metal and Melodeath, then this is for you.
Rating: 100%
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