Leviathan
True Traitor True Whore
Exclusive Review

The music world is completely different now than it was when Wrest spawned the first Leviathan demo in 1998. So much of the danger and mystique of Black Metal has been dissolved since that time; a recent article in The New Yorker declaring Black Metal OK for the bourgeois made sure of that. Despite the genre’s ever increasing popularity, Wrest continued to push the musical envelope with Leviathan, the exceptional standalone masterpiece that was Lurker Of Chalice, as well as drumming for the latest Nachtmystium record and joining the black metal collective Twilight. It is impossible to start this review without giving some background as to how the first Leviathan record in three years came to be. In January of this year the news rippled across metal blogs that Wrest (real name Jef Whitehead) had been arrested and was being held on $350,000 bail for sexually assaulting his then-girlfriend. While this news was no where near as sensationalized, the arrest made Wrest North America’s answer to Varg Vikernes; a staggering musical genius marred by violence and jail time. The subsequent court proceedings were much kept in the dark following the news, and his fate remained uncertain. Months later, out of the blue, renowned label Profound Lore announced that they would be releasing a new album from Leviathan called True Traitor True Whore. This November will see the release of one of the most daring and nauseating black metal releases in recent years. Read the rest of this review and stream two new Leviathan songs after the jump.

The title of the album leaves little room for interpretation. Before you even hear a single note of this record, you know it’s going to be an intense, embittered record seething with hatred an venom. Even the album cover is a taunt to Wrest’s detractors; a black and white image of his palm, the hand that allegedly committed the assault. The first thing you hear when you put on this album is a sickened, grumbling exhale which sets the tone for the record. Opener “True Whorror” is a scathing blast of energy. The vocals gurgle and bubble with sulphur over disorienting, zig-zagged guitar lines. Around 3:40, the song collapses into utter chaos that sounds like we the listener are descending into the darkest corners of Wrest’s mind. “Her Circle Is The Noose is the most infectious song on the album. There is a solid groove that holds down the unconventional riffing that is as catchy as it is hypnotic. This song makes excellent use of varying guitar tones to create new textures that enhance the song overall.

“Her Circle Is The Noose”
[audio:http://staging.cvltnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/02-Her-Circle-Is-The-Noose.mp3|titles=Leviathan Her Circle Is The Noose]

True Traitor True Whore‘s eight tracks are divided distinctly into Side A and B. Side A ends with album highlight “Contrary Pulse,” a song overflowing with melody and texture. Barely 30 seconds into the song, everything drops away for simple, picked delayed notes and a sigh. It’s one of the most haunting moments on the entire record. This break is followed by an achingly beautiful, almost post-rock lead. There is an undercurrent of low-frequency drone that runs through most of this song which finally breaks free for the outro. Low frequency tremolo picked chords, e bow and volume swells harken back to the Silhouette In Splinters and Lurker Of Chalice albums.

“Shed This Skin” picks the intensity right back up with riffs that will make you feel sea sick. The seven minute “Every Orifice Yawning Her Price” is full of experimentation and where Sanford Parker’s production really shines. This was the first Leviathan album that was fully realized and executed in a studio environment. Parker is known for providing amazing production while still retaining the sound that is unique to the artist. He was able to fully translate all of Leviathan’s trademark sounds as well as inject his own Chicago Industrial influence to the record. “Orifice” and “Harlot Rising” both make use of the acoustic guitar, which give the songs a foreign human touch on a record that takes largely in the intangible subconscious. “Harlot” also decays beautifully into Lurker-esque drones as a segue into album closer “Blood Red And True.” This song is a sludgy march into utter insanity. The weight of it’s slow pace is so poignant after the chaos of the previous seven songs. Wrest’s vocals are gravely and indecipherable as he laughs manically to himself. Every breath he draws between lines is like a death rattle.

“Blood Red And True.”
[audio:http://staging.cvltnation.com/wp-content/audio/08 Blood Red And True.mp3|titles=Leviathan Blood Red And True]

On True Traitor True Whore, Wrest is inviting you into his personal hell. There are so many layers to this record, yet you’ll be hooked by the first listen. This very well could be Leviathan’s crossover album. The record isn’t just strictly black metal. There are elements of rock, industrial and dark ambient. Leviathan has an impeccable way of manipulating melody that is unique to them alone. True Traitor True Whore is a world of hate, sickness, fear and pain. And you’ll never want to leave.

True Traitor True Whore will be officially released into the world November 8th via Profound Lore Records.