Germany’s impressive Extreme Metal label War Anthem Records and Baden-Württemberg-based Black Metal act Unlight recently joined forces in order to have this band’s sixth album released. It took quite some time, because the last album they did (Sulphurblooded, reviewed by colleague Tim; see update September 14th 2010) dates from 2010. However, it does not imply a drastic change of style. On the contrary, Unlight have always maintained a certain safety with a recognizable approach, and The Katalyst Of The Katharsis isn’t that different.
With this new studio recording, the band (vocalist / guitar player Blaspherion, bassist Nefastus, drummer Lord Grond, and guitarist Ratus) brings another ‘middle finger in the behind of any monotheistic Lordship’ effort. The Katalyst Of The Katharsis brings melodic and empowered Black Metal with a nastiness comparable to the Swedish scene. I did appreciate the former efforts (higher mentioned Sulphurblooded or 2009’s Death Consecrates With Blood), but this time Unlight are able to distinct themselves from the mediocre. No, I won’t say that this band suddenly comes up with something renewing or original. Why should they anyway? But the average quality of the compositions has grown enormously. And no, I am not building up to a cynical conclusion this time; I am really serious. It’s clear from the very first moments of the album. Each single composition is a monument itself (which was not really the case in the past), and there is more, much more ‘depth’. It is not the speed or the brutality that counts; it is the complete picture what is of importance this time: the tempo, the atmosphere, the constructive melodies. Also, this release sound much, much more dark-spirited than ever before. It has to do with the sound for sure, as well with the speed, song writing and performance. You know, brainless aggression might be fun if not being victim to it; but calculated torture with an aim (if only it might be self-pleasure; but that is another discussion I do not want to launch right here), that’s another thing? And that’s exactly what this album makes me think about. It is a purely defined interpretation of brutality, but for the first time truly executed with intelligent, even introspective persuasion.
Don’t expect an original or own-faced approach; Unlight have always been heavily influenced by the Swedish scene and that did not change this time either. The sound isn’t comparable, but it’s the performance I am referring to. But the songs are, all of them, enormously satisfying -no stand-outs, but no stupid fillers either- and since this tradition is not that regular-present anymore nowadays, one might welcome this material with open arms.
One song in particular I do need to mention: Antipole Divinity. It holds the Thrash-edged fury of the past (the thrashing element from the earlier recordings have almost completely gone), but this is a tribute to the Old School of German (Teutonic) Thrash Superiority, and how?...! Wunderbar!
Any fan of the likes of Mörk Gryning, Dissection, Watain or Unanimated, yet also Enthroned or Endstille might be aroused... Let’s say: Unlight’s strongest album to date!