Style: Atmospheric Black Metal (harsh vocals)
Review by: Dan
Country: Brazil
Release date: 23 September, 2021
Welp, this one’s been out for over a month – my sincerest apologies both to you, dear readers, and to my progblog overlords. Life has taken some twists and turns in the last month or so, sucking away what little free time and energy I have with reckless abandon. But fear not, for this one’s worth the wait.
There are times that I struggle to connect with the more raw, unpolished side of black metal, but this is absolutely not one of them. This exceptional release, while a bit rough around certain edges, brims with character, poise, and earnestness. Huge, emotional dynamics and unpredictable progressions take the listener on a journey deep into primary songwriter Caio Lemos’ soul. The album is quite aptly titled: Manso Queimor Dacordado translates to “Gentle Burning Awake” – illustrative and surprisingly true to the music contained within.
While it’s largely “atmospheric black metal,” the genre label withers in the face of this multifaceted masterpiece. Hints of the band’s Brazilian roots poke through the din, occasionally even stealing the spotlight as in the lush, acoustic “Baféu Vara Fronteiras,” adding a delightful richness to these seven massive compositions. The album’s flow is excellent, with a few gapless transitions and well-structured pacing. Meandering, enthralling melodies permeate the churning, diabolical mix of memorable riffs and tremolo harmonies, in unexpected but very welcome contrast to the harsh tonality of the production. The songs follow organic, unpredictable, dynamic structures, that I can’t help but follow with rapt attention. I’m quite impressed.
The guitarwork is absolutely noteworthy – precise and unexpected rhythms pepper the reverb-drenched soundscape of pounding drums and distant screams. Layer upon layer of guitars create an impenetrable density that completely ensnares the consciousness. The incessant tremolos of archetypal black metal are an almost constant presence, but shift in and out of focus in the fray. Note choice is generally mellifluous, somewhat upbeat and pleasant. Heavily-delayed leads toy with the imagination as notes blur between dry signal and echo, all while the songs are ineluctably carried forward by the rhythm section.
The drums are nice and lively but mixed a bit strangely – the lower toms and kick are big and boomy, and blankets of cymbals wash over everything, teetering on the aural verge of washing everything out. They mostly blast through the album (save for the epic album closer “Os Ipês”), keeping energy high but perhaps playing the least interesting role of any instrument in the mix.
The vocals are a pleasant treat when they present themselves, patiently awaiting their turn to take center stage. They’re throaty and guttural, ‘verby and distant. The lyrics are entirely in Portuguese, and despite their relative brevity, it feels like they have something meaningful to say. A quick Google translate reveals artful language that translates poorly via algorithm, which I believe bolsters my prior point.
On the whole, the mix is rich and warm. As mentioned, there are some quirks to it, and there are occasionally abrupt instrumentation changes as layers are added or removed, but none of this detracts from this experience. In fact, this is a rare case where an unpolished presentation enhances my enjoyment of an album. I’ll admit, though, there’s one lead in particular that’s a bit out of tune and I cringe every time I get to it, but it passes quickly and I’m once again enveloped by the fantastic, lush soundscapes of this unconventional, brilliant album.
What a joy. This is one to truly get lost in, that will reward repeated listens with its lack of repetition and organic structure. The guitarwork is immense – never overly technical but surely competent and densely layered – with heartfelt melodies and well-crafted dynamics. The mix is somewhat odd and unpolished, but adds an endearing charm to this phenomenal journey. Lose yourself in this one, you won’t regret it.
Recommended tracks: Florescência, À Sombridão, Os Ipês
Recommended for fans of: Kaatayra, Noltem, Havukruunu
You may also like: Teitan, Code, Dordeduh
Final verdict: 7/10
Related links: Bandcamp | Metal-Archives page
Vauruvã is:
– Caio Lemos (all instruments)
– Bruno Augusto Ribeiro (vocals)
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