Ovnev - Transpiration (2020)^{Release ID: 23379}

Terrific nature-themed atmospheric black metal that celebrates the interconnection between the Sahara desert and the Amazon rainforest in an environmental cycle that acts as the lungs of the planet. Successfully creates a vision of the immensity of the forces involved with vast, sweeping soundscapes to rival the genre's best. The vocals are submerged in the mix as if heard from a great distance or from within the deafening whisper of the planet's natural forces.
A mention must also go to Brandon Zackey who guests on drums and turns in a fine nuanced performance, yet can still pummel the shit out of his kit when the need arises. On the evidence of this, West Maddox, the man behind Ovnev, appears to have the talent to stand alongside the likes of Andy Marshall and Austin Lunn as a champion of naturalistic black metal.