Ambient black metal, post-rock duo Vukari have released Matriarch, a concept album about a “Slavic slave girl who is bought by a Germanic lord who promises her freedom and prosperity”, and while the concept sounds depressing, the album is an introspective, uplifting wall of sound that washes over the listener with texture and panache. Matriarch is filled with instrumental bits that take form in many different palettes; swaths of color blend from each instrument — whether it be the vocals, drums, guitars, or keyboard. There are parts which build up the intensity only to fall in the form of post-rock bliss; minute long tracks that break the harshness. Matriarch is another album that is breaking conventions of US black metal — utilizing ambient post-rock qualities to bring a sound together is something the US is known for in this genre, and, while other acts have their own agendas about black metal, Vukari is capable of paying homage to acts like Darkthrone, although Vukari shows more upswings of emotional range than down-in-the-dirt, wretched black metal.
“Her Bones Rattle in the Wind”, the opening track, crafts the soundscape of Matriarch. Eerie fuzz gives way for the building crescendo; the vocals hit and the listener is thrust into the realm of the poor Slavic slave girl. There is heaviness to this track, and the ranging guitarwork wafts over the sonic noise. “Her Bones Rattle in the Wind” is an opener perfectly juxtaposed by the next one, “A Hollow Promise”; an expose into post-rock that is forty-four seconds long. It feels like a shell of a song, not for the lack of ability, but for the concept of the album; the listener can feel those broken promises of the Germanic lord. Like an opera, there is a story being told through these instruments, one that consumes the listener and keeps them yearning for more.
“Robes of Crimson Gold” is a giant web of texture — each branching off in different directions, seemingly disconnected but that is an illusion; they are infinitely whole. Layers of guitar work wash over — the drums pound away as the keyboards add to the atmosphere. This magical blend of post-rock and black metal make Vukari an absolute force. This is a tale of struggle but it is a struggle that retains hope; everything comes crashing together. Every sound, every movement is artfully crafted — every action is met with reaction, and when the track breaks and the drums pound, the vocals become darker, more menacing. The drums buttress the vocals, and the guitars go against the grain with unique melodies that build up the intensity; a rising soul being carried away to the heavens. The track fades out, and the listener is left to soak in the wake, “Bruised Skin on Cold Ground”. With great aplomb Vukari crafts the last vestige of post-rock sentimentality through brilliantly curated composition; a sound that is awe-inspiring and full of weighty emotions.
“Midwife Crisis” starts with ambient keyboards, a post-punk tool used to create atmosphere and a tool that Vukari utilizes so very well. The entire track gives off these feeling of redemption; the track exists as if there is a breaking away, a clean slate being made — the post-rock nature gives off this emotional response. The high pitched tremeloes, the vocal style, the pounding drums; all come together as one to give such a bright sound that feels clean, whole, and unique. Then the track breaks. It breaks at the very core, when all seems to be moving upward in triumphant fashion, only to fall below the surface. The grittiness of the vocals meets traditional black metal guitars, and darker colors are used, painting a bleaker picture of the world Vukari has created. There are still things to take away, here; the diversity in feeling is something far greater than stoic emotions — “Midwife Crisis” can only be described as living art, offering up its own little story in the form of rising and falling actions. When the track forms around itself again, that melodic, singing guitar makes a return, closing out the track in haunting fashion as deep, gutteral vocals remind the listener that there is still bleakness, even in the most uplifting of times.
Matriarch is an album is so very layered and beautiful. Vukari has set the bar high for ambient black metal, and with this concept album they have succeeded in telling a unique tale. Each bar of music segues into the other in perfect symbiosis; nothing is ever out of place or feels that there should be more added. Everything falls together in harmony. Matriarch is simply art, and Vukari is miles ahead of the curve; everyone else is just trying to catch up.
The album is available through Vukari’s bandcamp.
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