ALBUM REVIEW: Čerň A Smrt – Bohemyst

From the ashes of Czech metal legends AVENGER comes a clean slate and a new prospect. Enter BOHEMYST, who are looking to put any negative energy surrounding their previous exploits behind them and move into a new chapter in the form of debut effort Čerň A Smrt which is due for release on August 13th via Petrichor Records. Will they hit the ground running?

Intro is pretty self explanatory, a brief excerpt which sets the scene with chilling piano keys and tense orchestration that leads straight into title track Čerň A Smrt. Rather than come flying out of the gates like a rampaging lunatic, this track chooses to build the momentum at a more methodical pace. Shrill screams come to the forefront alongside energetic drumming and steady riff work. A few minutes elapse before BOHEMYST start to flex their muscles and delve into the more aggressive side of their repertoire. Krvehlas injects darker tones and atmospherics into the mix before hiking up the tempo and commencing its assault. Stomping, addictive riffing is introduced that ushers in impressive lead work. Na Umrlčích Prknech maintains the trend of unsettling, ominous instrumentation as the key ingredient to get the track underway. Bellowing growls assist in adding an extra element of grisliness to proceedings.

Paní Lesa picks up the pace with a confident, galloping stride and enticing melodies. Thunderous drumming surges forth and combines with raspy screams to heighten the intensity. Kosti displays a theatrical side to the band with a KING DIAMOND-esque opening. The blast beats and swift riffing still have their part to play in the arrangement. Co Nelze Zapomenout dispels any element of whimsy right out the nearest window as the carnage is amplified significantly. Guttural ferocity and punishing drum work spearhead the onslaught.

Nekromantika strikes a dramatic chord with an evocative piano segment that segues into a doom ridden soundscape. Swarming orchestration slots into the piece as we experience the first instance of sombre, melodic vocal work that feels almost endearing. Do Chřtánu Smrti exhibits some hastened guitar work and impactful drum fills that chip away at your ear drums with meticulous precision. The track refuses to provide any period of calm as it continues to unleash wave after wave of relentless fury. Zvrácenosti Zvědavosti witnesses a reprisal of the symphonic, orchestral elements that veers into melodic death metal territory. Powerful, alluring riff work leaves a lasting impression and ends the release on an uplifting note.

Black metal can have the tendency to be a one trick pony, adopting brute force over engaging content, but BOHEMYST don’t even come close to becoming predictable. Čerň A Smrt showcases an impressive variety of styles that ensures you stay along for the ride. This new venture is refreshing and it will be exciting to see what comes from the Czech outfit in the future.

Rating: 8/10

Čerň A Smrt is set for release on August 13th via Petrichor Records.

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