Norwegian darkgaze metal outfit Vemod have made their long-awaited triumphant return with their sophomore full-length effort, The Deepening, which arrived on Friday (19th) via Prophecy Productions. A surprise comeback since 2012’s Venter på stormene, has peaked our interest. As for the group’s mastermind, Jan Even Åsli, it was a lengthy creative process where leading to the record he expressed his disbelief that the album was finally ready. The Deepening serves as a poignant exploration of the past, present, and future, delving into uncharted atmospheric landscapes confronting an overall deepening exploration of the state of the world.
Starting off with “Mot oss, en ild,” a soft and enigmatic introduction setting the tone for the overall atmospheric exploration that soon follows. The impressive “Der guder dør” kicks in with heavy ambience, seamlessly transitioning between rich, ruthless rawness and dark, coarse black metal vocals. Clocking in at a staggering thirteen minutes, this opus is a tapestry of diversifying morbid emotion. The song presents a dual nature, where darkness meets light, incorporating soaring sounds, blast beats, and spiritual echoes—a poetic composition within a single track.
“True North Beckons” invites listeners into an atmospheric realm, characterized by mystery and captivating black metal distortions. The chaotic medley adds depth creating a diverse exploration. “Fra drømmenes bok I” serves more like a spiritual intermission before shifting gears towards a more progressive trance with “Inn i lysande natt.” The style embraces more of a mix between a jazzy and progressive tone. Instrumental interludes lead to a catchy instrumental section reminiscent of Russian Circles.
The title track, “The Deepening,” serves as the ultimate conclusion, extending over sixteen minutes. It delves into the continued musical exploration, seamlessly blending softer, transcendent moments with the backdrop of blast beats. The track evolves, fluctuating between light and dark, creating a poetic blend of chaos. Eleven minutes in, a soaring medley takes over, slowing down towards the end to deliver a spiritual, enchanting, Celtic, and paganistic finale.
The Deepening is a masterpiece of atmospheric intricacy, where Vemod has delivered a strong return after twelve years. The record invites listeners to lose themselves in its transcendent into oblivion takes. The album’s diverse elements, from black metal aesthetics to jazzy interludes, showcase the band’s ability to push boundaries and redefine modern black metal by embracing their darkgaze subgenre.
Rating: 4/5
