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Released on April 1, 2016 via Bindrune Recordings
Texas black metal is coming into its own lately. With more and more acts coming out of the woodwork, trying to define and tailor a sound which is unique to the scene. Usually you don’t think of cold frost bitten wastelands, or grim forests with epic mountain ranges; which is usually the inspiration for black metal. But in Texas, I think the sound of TXBM is the descant of the vast open lands, the tales of hidden country and indigenous folklore, the howl of the coyote, and the mysticism of the vast open night skies.
Their fourth full length, Krigsgrav’s Waves of Degradation further defines their sound scape of atmospheric black metal. The tone of Waves of Degradation goes into a more somber feeling then their previous album Carrion Fields. With its infinite reverbed guitar resonances and melodic clean interludes. The feeling of this album is an immense loneliness, an unbounded isolation.
The tracks are immense as well, all mostly clocking in at 10 to 15 minutes. But the tracks never get boring or stale. They all change and paint a grand portrait of grim distantness. ‘As The Color Fades from The Earth’ would have to be my favorite track and not just because it has a mouth harp in it! But it really expresses the depth and range of Krigsgrav as a band. Jay’s vocals are harsh, but yet emotional. Both him, Corey, and Wes intertwine in a dance of forbidding melody. David’s drumming is also phenomenal and tight, only adding to the ominous and ethereal phrases. ‘As The Color Fades from The Earth’ is pinnacle of Krigsgrav’s sound. Grand, haunting, melodic, and most of all a grey coldness.
Krigsgrav is a very underrated band, their albums have been progressively getting more massive and striking every time. I am excited to see them soon live. I highly recommend if you get a chance to see this band, you should.
