By: Ralka Skjerseth |
Bosse-de-Nage is one of the most prominent names in the growing blackgaze scene along with Deafheaven, whom they have collaborated with before. Up until now, they have succeeded in trying out diverse experimentations in their sounds, converging elements of black metal, hardcore, and post metal. Now in 2018 they have unleashed a challenging and experimental soundscape that they presented on the album “Further Still”. The vocals on this album have roots on hardcore elements; they sound magnificently abrasive, and the instrumentals are presented in a post-black metal way. The drums have blasting beats where the cymbal often crashes, accompanied by blistering, layered guitar lines. The term “blackgaze” itself implies a very diverse and undefinable spectrum of sonical elements; it combines a lot of genres and the bands associated with the said term never fails to break the stereotypes. “Further Still”, released in September 14th, 2018 under the renowned label The Flenser, is an audacious step of presenting a groundbreaking landscape of heavy diversion.
The album’s opener is the track “The Trench”, that incorporates elements of black metal and alternative music. The resonance is vehement and it sounds drop dead transcendental. The next track happens to be “Down Here” that opens with abrasive drum beats, and is continued by hardcore-esque vocals. The third track “Crux” has an intro that sounds a bit like post-rock/math-rock, and then is proceeded by some emotional strikes of rhythms. The poignant and intricate “Listless” describes well what I would consider as blackgaze. Next up we have the track “Dolorous Interlude” which is an atmospheric soundscape consisting of string instruments and no vocals. “My Shroud” is opened by slow-paced guitar lines and tranquil vibes, before chaotic screams and distorted riffs kick in. “Sword Swallower” and “Vestiges” both ignite bright fire and an organized chaos, meanwhile the last track “A Faraway Place”, which happens to be the longest track of the album, presents 3-minute long profound, mindblowing riffs.
Overall, this album is a lively and mesmerizing take on blackgaze, with sounds that vary in elements and break boundaries. Bosse-de-Nage did well in channeling their distraught kind of emotions into a work of art with aesthetics that are imperceptible but fine.