Famine

About

FAMINE LP Review NOVEMBER 2, 2011 http://www.blackmetalreview.com/?p=772 FAMINE – FAMINE LP (Worthless Endeavors) This one arrives from way beyond, from totally off the radar, leaving me transfixed. Quite simply, ‘Famine’ has to be one of the best Black Metal records unleashed in 2011, scoring maximum marks in every conceivable compartment. First of all, the lay-out and artwork are fantastic: an immense 200 gram vinyl wrapped in a stunning gatefold cover, complete with lyrics on the inner sleeve. Looks the part… And sounds the part, too! Famine – the vehicle of an entity emerging out of New Jersey operating under the uber-modest moniker of Worthless – specialises in a spectacular strain of raw, grim, cold and callous Black Metal. The vocals are corrosive, desperate shrieks not for the weak of heart; the music fast and fierce, ripping through you, carrying enough venom to rip your face off from one hundred yard. I’m at a loss to name any obvious reference points but somehow Famine reminds me of Funeral Mist, only more raw, less polished. That’s not to say this album is under-produced, because it certainly isn’t. The production is perfect and on a track like ‘Enter The Temple’ (the third of eight in total), which is slightly more bass-heavy and accessible than its two predecessor, the instruments breathe through organically, majestically. Masterful stuff. The real clincher on ‘Famine’ is the three ambient / instrumental interludes (for want of a better word) which comprise Tracks # 4, 7 and 8 – ‘Amaru’, ‘Liber Porta Lvcis’ and ‘Curse’. The inclusion of these lends an occult, otherworldly, ethereal, esoteric bent to proceeding, rendering an already stupendous album utterly mandatory. In summing up, this is a rare and unique Black Metal record that deserves its place in any discerning collection. Evilometer: 666/666 _________________________________________________________________________________ http://www.lurkerspath.com/2011/07/10/famine/ Famine by Richard on Jul 10, 2011 • 3:06 pm With the gentrification of black metal at full tilt, it’s refreshing to hear Famine’s self-titled debut. The grotesque, squatting demon that leers from the cover art, wielding a blade forged of purest black metal, sets the tone for what is to come. Its cold eye, lolling tongue and oppressive stature seem to invoke a tempting challenge for the listener. The band’s sole member, Worthle, is a cipher of sort, taking a welcome step back from the personality cults that have afflicted the scene in recent time. The only information on Famine is as follows: “Famine is occult black metal. Famine was founded in 2007 by sole-member Worthle. There is no claimed allegiance, no geographical pride, or specific spiritual or religious loyalty connected to Famine or Worthle. There is no proclamation or specific doctrine adhered to in these works that can be conveniently summarised and packaged for the purposes of contributing to the further deprecation of what has become a predominantly shallow and boring cultural trend.” A breath of fresh air for such an odiou, evil project. Taking its cues from the ghastly artwork, the music is a punishing assault on the sense. A resounding chasmal production is wound tightly around Famine’s raw rage, making the album a reverberant, consuming pandemonium from start to finish. Opener ‘Adventus’ is a perfect introduction, playing a furious thrash riff off against the disorientating, whirlwind black metal of the refrain. Indeed, it’s not often one comes across such intricacy and technical ability within the context of a lo-fi record like this one, but the results are breathtaking. For instance, ‘Praise the Witch’ catches whisps of Portal as guitars frantically scale the higher registers and drums batter on with inhuman speed, plunge back down into cantankerous rumblings and smash through warped, atonal lead. It’s like being attacked from all sides non-stop for 20 minute. Likewise, ‘Oathless Sovereign’ blasts forth with a blistering malcontent – initially I played Side B first and couldn’t believe what I was hearing with this track, such is the speed and ferocity. But with further study, vicious riffs are relinquished by the inferno and form a satisfying chunk of offensive, Leviathan-informed black metal. But intensity is not the only weapon Worthless utilise. ‘Enter the Temple’ revolves around driving percussion and one droning, miasmal riff accompanied by a hideous invocation and earth-shaking feedback, while ‘Amaru’ and ‘Liber Porta Lucis’ represent a more experimental and almost ambient side to the record – off-kilter piano, shrill string sections and blaring horns all contribute to these strange composition. The ritual is brought to an end with a ‘Curse’, which features an unsettling, strangled solo voice performance. Worthless’ vocals fit the record’s unique furore throughout, focussing on a distorted whisper that ranges from piercing shrieks to groaning chant. Famine’s first statement is one of searing, insidious and violent black metal, something I’ve been longing to hear in 2011 without having to flick through my aging record collection. The 200-gram vinyl’s packaging and design is of utmost quality, and includes with it a large poster, a free download and lyrics with which you can decipher Famine’s purpose for yourself. Well worth the $19.99 from Worthless Endeavour. The label is evident of Worthless’ determination, dedication and hard work to get this uncompromising vision out to you, so return the favour and support the underground. .

via Last.fm

The Clerk says

Start your shelf to read the full take →