The US Black Metal scene is something that has been growing over the years. And while some of the bands that started in the early 2000s went many different ways (Never ever use the word “transcendental”. That’s my choice. Not yours) with their music, some just kept playing the same style and getting better at it. Woe began as a one man band by Chris Grigg. In 2010 with their album Quietly, Undramatically they became a full band, albeit playing Mr. Grigg’s songs. Now with Withdrawal, they are a full band effort. And the results show a band with just as much fever as Grigg himself.
The music and actual songs feel much more open and moving on this album. ‘This is the End of the Story’ opens the album and honestly conveys its title. It could have honestly been the album closer; with vocals of a maniac tortured, guitars tremolo picked to holy hell, and drums that have hell in them. Where it catches you, and pushes the envelope is mid-song, with CLEAN VOCALS. Now to some this would be a big deal. I myself find it refreshing; they add emotion in a perfect way. ‘Carried by Waves to Remorseless Shores of the Truth’ evokes the same feeling as the title as well. Feelings of being thrown around by sharp waves and being forced to stare at everything you don’t want to admit to yourself. Woe seems to have the title/music mixture perfect.
The triple threat of ‘Song of My Undoing’, ‘Exhausted’ and the title track….well honestly it left me feeling all of this. Vocals remain in pain throughout, guitars churn and slash, drums banged to all hell. My particular favorite in this trio is ‘Exhausted’. Woe leave me feeling empty in parts, but in a way that is completely amazing. The part of the mind that they express on this entire album is something you need to hear to really understand. I don’t see this as a simple black metal album. Although I’m sure many will pin it as that, I see this as much more. An emotional experience and peek into the thoughts of men holding on to the bare strings of life, at times.
I recommend this album to anyone who likes honest, heavy music. One listen will have you hooked, as it did me. This album will be available through Candlelight Records on April 22nd in the UK, and April 23rd in the US. By all means, pick this up when it comes out. A record that need be heard to feel a bit more in your veins. Support the artists and bands you love. Buy some fucking music.
HAIL!!!!!!!!
