ALBUM REVIEW: Viribus Unitis – 1914
Returning for a fourth tour of duty on the frontlines of World War One, Ukrainian blackened death/doom outfit 1914 present a united strength on Viribus Unitis. Continuing with the by now, established blend of crushing brutality of extreme metal with revered solemnity for the stories they tell, the band have also mixed in a wider melodic scope and greater levels of orchestration to continue pushing the boundaries of their sound. The new album features several notable collaborations throughout, helping to elevate the compositions and illustrate the united stance of strength that 1914 seek.
A unique factor for this album when compared to their previous work. Is the conceptual layout of telling a straight story from beginning to end. While the album is bookended by War In (The Beginning of the Fall) and War Out (The End?), which is familiar to preceding albums. The main body of the tracks begin in 1914 and track through the years culminating in 1919. The band layout a chronological timeline capturing the raw brutality of the conflict but seen through a snapshot of one front. Then given a personal twist of following the stories and emotions of singular personal accounts of a Ukrainian soldier.
The temptation here could be to get lost in the narrative, however 1914 masterfully extrapolate the stories and given the powerful death/doom of their style, are able to conjure up a compelling and engaging album. One that has both a connection to the subject matter but can be representative of other human conflict outside of the specific.
Rapid fire cascading chaos is the order of the day when launching into the pummelling 1914 (The Siege of Przemyśl). Audibly translating the confusion and terror of barbarous battle. This is where the band specialise. The lyrics are poignant and deliver the detail while the crushing music creates the perfect backdrop. It is as compelling as it is powerful.
To describe the balance between the heavy and melodic as delicate may seem like an oxy-moron given just how much force tracks like 1916 (The Südtirol Offensive) or the double bill 0f 1918 Pt1 – WIA with 1918 Pt2 – POW. However, with the deft skill the band possess, they have struck the perfect blend of technically proficient heavy metal assault with captivating melodic leas and harmonies. The result is music that is once more towering in its aggressive potency but still remarkable in how it has the potential to move the listener through an emotive journey.
While not a band given to a ballad. It’s more moving at the conclusion with the album with 1919 (The Home Where I Died). It offers up an emotional weight to an album full of heavy weight riffs and blast beats, yet again, due to 1914’s songwriting mastery fulfils the albums conclusion without seeming out of place.
For those already familiar with 1914, Viribus Unitis represents a wonderful and remarkable next step in the catalogue of the band. It highlights a growth of the band for both the songwriting and musical execution. They’re not afraid to add more layers to their already entrenched death/doom style and tackle a grander soundscape. The DNA of the band runs clearly throughout the album so as not to be a creative departure, but it is no way stuck on one theme.
1914 have their drive, to tell stories of a horrific conflict and shine a light on the deeply personal tragedies and emotions that were born from it. However, they do so with a reverence that when matched with the technical brilliance of their extreme metal makes the whole thing far more engaging than just a topical backdrop.
Rating: 9/10
Viribus Unitis is out now via Napalm Records.
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