Departure Chandelier - Dripping Papal Blood (2020)Release ID: 18508
The huge and rather grandiose logo for the band does no justice to the actual sound of Departure Chandelier. Whilst there most certainly is a majesty to their sound it is a dank and drab majesty that manages to capture the core and basic elements of conventional black metal alongside dungeon synth and choral elements as well. This four track demo from 2020 follows the success of their debut full length from the previous year which I am already getting on rotation along with their first demo from 2019 also which tracks a similar format to Dripping Papal Blood.
With an intro and outro track dedicated entirely to dungeon synth, we only have two tracks proper for DC to express their grim and grime-ridden black metal. Thankfully, even over such a short format, they manage to impress us without seemingly breaking a sweat. It is clear that the demo format allows for them to rely purely on the raw and slightly muffled/suppressed sound as opposed to being invested in any high level of production values. They intelligently let the synths create atmosphere in keeping with the religious theme of the demo overall but they are also really strong with the riffs here as well. The only element that feels a little too far removed from proceedings is the drums. Whilst audible, they are only just so, a lot of the time they are just a "tishing" entity in the background and far more rhythm is developed from the guitar work as opposed to any real percussive input from the sticks.
Deploying a tried and tested rasping vocal style, the lyrics are sung as tortured incantations that compliment both the harsh bm on offer as well as the more atmospheric moments. Clocking in at just over thirteen minutes, Dripping Papal Blood is memorable and departs leaving me with a real sense of closure as the minimalist synths count out the death knell of the outro track. This has proven to be a very good find and holds much promise for me as I explore their wider discography. I would recommend their debut demo The Black Crest of Death, The Gold Wreath of War for anyone who finds this format pleasing enough.
