ALBUM REVIEW: Transience – Shylmagoghnar

The dutch duo known only as Nimblkorg and Skirge have been inseparable since they were school kids. After numerous years crafting their musicianship they grew up and developed into what became the atmospheric whirlwind known to the metal world as SHYLMAGOGHNAR. Their debut full length Emergence took the world by storm in 2015 and the 29th of June will see the release of the hotly anticipated follow-up entitled Transience via Napalm Records. Will they be able to maintain their skyward-bound momentum?

Opening and title track Transience basically leaves off where The Sun No Longer left off with a theatrical yet calming vibe to ease you into the album. This is soon negated by abrasive, harsh vocals and atmospheric guitar work. The imperfection in the snare hits is a nice touch as it feels less sterile in comparison as opposed to programmed drum patches which are frequently used in the technological age. The track continues to ebb and flow through a variety of layers with relative ease getting Transcience off to an inviting start.

Proceeding track The Dawn Of Motion commences with a rather devilish sounding riff reminiscent of old school OPETH as the rigid bass lines provide the ideal accompaniment. As the song progresses the riffs get considerably burlier adding that extra level of bite to the arrangement as the kick drums go into overdrive. As All Must Come To Pass unassumingly meanders into focus with a steady bass line and some overlaying synth work before bursting into all out black metal fury. Rapid blast beats and seething screams saturate the track as the invigorating pace runs riot.

This Shadow Of The Heart proceeds with a lively folk orientated mentality as the intricate lead work ensures you are fixated on every minute detail of the composition. Whilst being considerably shorter than its counterparts it is still packed with exhilarating musicianship. The Chosen Path tones the vigorous black metal tones down a couple of notches and focuses more on huge emotive riffing which possesses a relaxing but emphatic quality. Absolutely a track which can be appreciated by sinking deep into your chair with a good set of headphones and basking in the serene harmonies.

After a few tracks which focus mainly on the instrumentation at SHYLMAGOGHNAR‘s disposal, the vocals make a return on No Child Of Man Could Follow as the track takes a less chaotic and more methodical pace. The brief, calming segments which break up the energetic guitar work are a welcoming addition, giving you time to fully digest the abundance of elaborate offerings on show as another mammoth track morphs through various forms. Some of the solo work later on in the track is really quite spellbinding. Journey Through The Fog allows you a further moment of peace as the track slowly builds like a spider majestically weaving a web. The upbeat, lively guitars supplemented by thunderous drumming surround you in a world of graceful yet complex orchestration.

Closing track Life is the longest track on the album clocking in at 13 minutes long but it passes in a matter of moments as you become so engrossed in the passages unfolding as it marches onward. The duo show no sign of fatigue as they sprint towards the finish line in a burst of exuberant glory. Some spine tingling acoustic work towards the latter stages provide a fitting end to a stellar piece of artistry.

To even consider that the entirety of this elaborate creation was devised by only two musicians is astonishing. Transience consists of so many intricate layers that it feels like being engulfed in seismic waves of thought-provoking emotion. Black metal is notorious for being melancholy and woeful but the compositions within are rammed full of positive vibrancy and boundless energy. Amazingly the tracks are all of extensive lengths but SHYLMAGOGHNAR never run out of gas, keeping your attention with swift transitional experimentation. Anyone who enjoys being immersed in fascinating soundscapes would be daft to overlook this masterfully constructed creation.

Rating: 9/10

Transience is due for release via Napalm Records on June 29th.

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