Review by Sonny for Mgła - Exercises in Futility (2015)

After originally checking out this, the Polish duo's third release, when it was released in 2015, I gave it a 3.5/5 rating and wrote a short (and admittedly somewhat sniffy) review on RYM along the lines of "Everybody seems to think this is the BM album of the year, but it isn't, it's just OK". I've never returned to it since, nor any of the band's other releases neither, until now. But I've got to admit that listening to it with fresh ears, I enjoyed it a lot more than I did six years ago.
This is not the kind of album to make the hearts of the "trve cvlt warriors" race, it is far more likely to have their fingers clicking away on their keyboards in disgust because it is well-executed, well-produced and, most blasphemously for black metal, it has exceedingly catchy moments. Well, fuck those guys, I am willing to endure their meaningless scorn, as I'm sure M and Darkside are also, because this is great. It neither falls into the camp of atmospheric nor melodic black metal as such, but it is heavily informed by both sub-genres. I love the tone of the riffing, Darkside's drumming is exemplary, the tracks invoke a suitably icy atmosphere and Mikołaj Żentara's vocals have that croakiness to it that I really enjoy hearing and particularly associate with Immortal's Abbath. On the downside it is a little bit samey, but there are some genuinely terrific tracks - I and V for example. The old chestnut of the band's political affiliations also rears it's ugly head, but if that is a deal breaker for you then you're probably not a big black metal fan anyway. Personally I no longer pay any attention to the political ramblings of musicians - if musos are your window on political affairs then you're probably fucked anyway.
This is the kind of black metal album I would put on when I don't feel the need to be challenged too much and just want to hear some damn fine black metal tunes (kind of how I do with the aforementioned Immortal). Sometimes it's great to just kick back and enjoy an album without thinking too much about it. This may sound like damning with faint praise, but it really isn't. There absolutely is a place in black metal for album's like this - not every album needs to set your nerves on edge and freeze your soul.
Is it metal enough? Absolutely.
Is it dark enough? Not for everyone, but it certainly has it's moments.
Should you check it out? Definitely.