Chilean black metal outfit Black Grail add to the black metal conversation in a very interesting way. Misticismo Regresivo is ripping and blackened, and its infusion of melodic riffs and crusty, sludgy refrains keeps listeners' attention. "La Ciudadela de Shiva" is pure black metal genius; the riffs are heavy and chugging, the vocals sound desperate and depressed and the general sound creates an atmosphere of pure hatred.
However, there are also a few things about this release that don't quite measure up. There are parts where the vocals sound muffled, or where the songs escalate into feedback or interludes that get monotonous and tiresome. It's a good record, worth checking out if you are a diehard black metal fan, but there's a lack of cohesion here, and too many lows, to stay engaging throughout.
(Tyrannus)However, there are also a few things about this release that don't quite measure up. There are parts where the vocals sound muffled, or where the songs escalate into feedback or interludes that get monotonous and tiresome. It's a good record, worth checking out if you are a diehard black metal fan, but there's a lack of cohesion here, and too many lows, to stay engaging throughout.
