In the realm of extreme metal, where the icy winds of blackness howl through the frozen forests of Norway, a new album emerges, promising a chilling escape from the scorching summer heat. Profane Burial's 'Desolate Echoes of Turmoil' is a symphony of contrasting elements, a journey through the harsh landscapes of symphonic black metal. But is it a chilling adventure or a jumbled mess? Let's delve into the depths of this album and uncover the truth. Personally, I think that the album's title itself hints at a profound exploration of the human condition, where the echoes of turmoil resonate through the desolate landscapes. The opening track, 'Den Fortaptes Krønike', sets the tone with a soothing, melodic guitar passage, luring the listener into a false sense of tranquility. But as the song progresses, it violently pounces with bursts of blackened blast beat fury, leaving the listener in a state of constant tension. What makes this particularly fascinating is the album's ability to seamlessly blend the harsh vocals of Kjetil Ytterhus with the melodic guitar solos of André Aaslie. The strings, performed by Aaslie, add a layer of emotional depth, creating a sense of soaring beauty amidst the chaos. However, what many people don't realize is that the album's true strength lies in its ability to break the boundaries of conventional black metal instrumentation. The frequent tempo changes and varied approach to guitar playing create a sense of dynamism that keeps the listener engaged. But, in my opinion, the album's cohesion suffers due to the frequent mashing of opposing sections. The sudden shifts between starkly contrasting sections with minimal or absent segues lead to a battered listening experience, roughly bouncing the listener between chaotic black metal and refined symphonic segments. One thing that immediately stands out is the album's ability to create a sense of isolation and loneliness, as if the listener is wandering through a desolate forest cabin. The passages of isolated piano, grandiose symphonies, and choirs add a layer of emotional depth, but they often feel like out-of-place guests rather than integral parts of the album's identity. If you take a step back and think about it, the album's true nature is a reflection of the human experience, where the echoes of turmoil and despair are intertwined with moments of beauty and hope. The interplay of weeping guitar melodies and backing vocal chorus in the penultimate track, 'Horror Code, Pt 2', creates a fittingly melancholic atmosphere, highlighting the album's ability to evoke a range of emotions. However, the album's lack of cohesion within individual tracks results in a dizzying and often frustrating listening experience. The Norwegian trio's talent and ideas are undeniable, but by placing them all on display, the album's cohesion suffers. Either that, or the heat has melted my brain into a jumbled mess incapable of understanding their frozen vision. In conclusion, 'Desolate Echoes of Turmoil' is a chilling adventure through the harsh landscapes of symphonic black metal. While the album's cohesion may be lacking, its ability to evoke a range of emotions and break the boundaries of conventional black metal instrumentation make it a compelling listen. The album's true strength lies in its ability to create a sense of isolation and loneliness, reflecting the human experience in all its complexity. So, if you're looking for a chilling escape from the scorching summer heat, 'Desolate Echoes of Turmoil' is definitely worth a listen.
