Review by Ben for Scarcity - Aveilut (2022)

I must admit that I generally fear seeing avant-garde metal connected to albums I plan to dive into. Just last week I was struggling to come to grips with Imperial Triumphant's highly praised latest release, recognising its qualities while having to admit that a fair portion of it just isn't enjoyable to me. This week it's Scarcity, who dared to provide me with an avant-garde black metal release just when I was feeling vulnerable. I needn't have worried! Composer Brendan Randall-Myers and vocalist Doug Moore have crafted a genuinely unique and jaw-dropping album, that rarely departs my precious black metal genre while still managing to sound both refreshing and important. This is an album to get lost in! An album filled with hypnotic tremolo riffs and drone-drenched soundscapes, with Moore's fantastic vocals piercing the atmosphere in just the right ways. Aveilut is a technical masterpiece that still manages to be an enthralling metal album, and I wouldn't be surprised if I push this up to 5 stars some time in the future. Everyone in the North should go listen to this. I have it as the best black metal release of the year to date. If you want to dip your toe in before committing, the 13 minute closing track V is a definite highlight.

2022 RANKING (64 releases so far)

1. Shape of Despair - Return to the Void - 5 stars

2. Scarcity - Aveilut - 4.5 stars

3. Immolation - Acts of God - 4.5 stars

2022 BLACK RANKING (29 releases so far)

1. Scarcity - Aveilut - 4.5 stars

2. White Ward - False Light - 4.5 stars

3. Ultha - All That Has Never Been True - 4.5 stars