Hailing from Portland comes a four-piece who base their art on the mighty black metal. There was a time when people shit on American black metal. Now? You can do it of course, but it’s simply playing stupid, since it’s undeniable the talent that the United States has to offer in that specific department. We must “measure” one scene not only by the big names (Xasthur, Nachtmystium, Von, Krieg, Twilight, Leviathan, etc), but also by the new blood that’s presented to us music freaks every single day. It’s here, in the new blood department, where Spectral Tombs must be mentioned.
These four guys don’t are the type who like to messing around…They get straight to the point. Formed in 2008, they just took the time they needed – yeah, it’s not a fuckin’ race so take your fuckin’ time before shooting something that you will regret later – and four years later, not one but TWO (!) bloody records are presented for all the world to hear.
Listening to Veins As Poisoned Streams, it’s awesome and an incredibly enjoyable experience. No, you will not experience anything new. No, these guys aren’t the best in their craft. No, it’s not original stuff, but… Who fuckin’ cares? In a world (the music one) where everybody is trying to find the “next big thing”, and everybody is trying so hard to be that “next big thing”, I must give my sincere compliments to a band like Spectral Tombs.
They, as I said before, lay their bone structure in the mighty black metal, therefore you know that cutting riffs, hellish vocals and fast percussion work will be, for sure, on the bill. But the way they do it is the reason why you will enjoy the hell out of this.
Contrasts! Yeah, this is the “secret” where the magic of Veins As Poisoned Streams wins. The way they mix and glue all those textures and atmospheres…WOW! The guitar work is so amazing. Sorry, but I had to say it clearly.
We are often bored by black metal because of the lack of dynamics (how I love this word… damn) and elements that give you a sense of true diversity. Are those dynamics and elements on Veins As Poisoned Streams? They sure exist, and we’ll notice them without too much effort.
From fast and straight parts of “classic” black metal, to mellow and delicious (not to be confused with joy and beauty) parts where you close your eyes and find a parallel world. How can you not enjoy that? They pull it off in such awesome way too… it’s really well done.
Damn it, I almost forgot. I don’t know if it’s John or Justin, but one of you guys: you suck big time. That solo at the end of the title-track is fuckin’ haunting my brain and soul. You must be punished for addicting people in such unhealthy way. BAHHH!!!!
To sum this up: it’s not a “brilliant” record, but it’s extremely enjoyable. I recommend to everyone that wants to hear an addicting piece of art. After spending days with this record I must confess that I’m very anxious to see what will be their next move.
TO THE BAND: please make an effort to present better album covers. Spectral Tombs’ audio art deserves only the best.
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