Panzerfaust - The Suns of Perdition - Chapter II: Render Unto Eden (2020)^{Release ID: 23484}

On paper, Panzerfaust do not have a lot going for them.  With a sound not dissimilar to Mgla whom I have never really seen the total appeal of over the years, the fact that any of their releases have lasted more than one listen is an achievement in itself.  However, whilst I do accept those references to the Polish band I believe there's more to the Canadians that just the dashing black metal sound that draws the similarity.  I am familiar with the releases that precede and follow this one and so my experience of the band overall draws me to reference elements of Deathspell Omega (although a lot less chaotic) and my personal favourites Gaerea also.  Something in that mix of stabbing dissonance and a taught emotional core just thrusting to get out and spill its guts everywhere just speaks volumes to me and the second chapter of The Suns of Perdition series of albums best exemplifies this for me.

There is an urgency to ...Render Unto Eden that feels like the itch of a skin infection that has some festering fluid to release but continues to taunt the afflicted by prolonging the incessant, gnawing sensation.  At the same time, there is a lot of structure to this record.  These tracks are well-written and are allowed to develop well on each occasion.  Opener, Promethean Fire has a superb build that makes the listener wait for its arrival proper by layering the textures slowly but surely.  At the same time, the flurrying melodies of Areopagitica will have you palpitating as you try to keep up.  What I hear on this record is a band exuding a level of intelligent restraint.  Having the heart to share some influences without necessarily wearing them on their sleeves, yet at the same time having the common sense to not let the urgency of their style substitute structure and track development.

The drums on The Snare of the Fowler act like tools to build up to the the almost Ulcerate-esque melodic riff.  Indeed Alexander Kartashov shows a prowess on the drums for pretty much all of the record and the bellicose (and it has to be said rather Nergal-like) vocals of Goliath are also a standout.  But it is the chiming, stabbing and soaring work of the guitar of Brock "Kaizer" Van Dijk that truly steals the show here as those ringing tremolos capture the ghastly melodies and haunting dissonance inherent in the Panzerfaust sound.  I guess there is a deeper story to the album trilogy here that I am yet to tap into, but for now let me acknowledge what a fine record this is - regardless of any conceptual references overall.