“What happens to life on earth if the fragile laws of nature are altered even by a little bit? How can the human psyche deal with the perspective of inevitable extinction? How far can the human soul be stripped before its essence vanishes completely? Can we contain the implications of forced and radical evolution and the insanity it brings?” Questions raised by Dark Fortress frontman and lyricist Morean on the band’s 7th studio album Venereal Dawn. Like most previous Dark Fortress albums, Venereal Dawn is again a concept album. Its nine songs weave a tale of survival, betrayal and sacrifice in an extremely hostile environment.Despite the objections of people who subscribe to certain political leanings (AKA, those who hate and deny science), the possibility that we are choking the world to death is very real. I know, what a shame with the Earth only being 6,000 years old. Temperatures rising, pestilence moving its way across the globe to permeate every corner, and there always being a chance we could be wrecked for good by something catapulting through space. Life and the Earth are fragile, and that could be altered at any time, sending us into a frenzy. Topics such are these are what long-standing black metal unit Dark Fortress tackle on their latest album “Venereal Dawn,” their most musically ambitious effort to date. Never a band to shy away from a violent, uncomfortable topic, the band delves into the very-possible scenario of the Earth being devastated and life possibly being extinguished. What would that do to our psyche, the way we deal with others, and staring death in its eyes? That is the basis of vocalist/lyricist Morean (also of Noneuclid) on this seventh record, and he jumps into the burning caverns of hell with both feet. Just look at the scorched Earth album cover, and you know what you’re supposed to envision listening to this record.Īlong with Morean on this album is the same cast that brought you 2010’s “Ylem.” On guitars are V Santura ( Triptykon, Noneuclid) and Asvargr Draug is on bass duties Paymon on keys and behind the drums is Seraph (Noneuclid). The music branches out far past black metal’s caverns, embracing elements of prog rock, doom, and death metal, and the vocals also push more boundaries. It’s a record that might surprise some people in scope but shouldn’t be a shock as they’ve always shown signs of steady progression. The opener is a big chunk at 11:03, and it spreads itself methodically and with eerie wings. Speak singing emerges to start the tale, but then the song opens up and begins mauling. Furious blasts, buzzing growls, and total violence take over, but later they’re washed away by some strange choral sections, chanty shouts, and powerful soloing. “Lloigor” follows, going a little over nine minutes, and it actually feels a bit like an old Opeth song at the start. There are strong growls, a heaping dose of crunch, and progressions into speed and back to more channeled tempos. “Betrayal and Vengeance” has a punishing pace, with plenty of raw growls. But it also is flushed with melody, searing keyboards, and more choral sections.
“Chrysalis” heads deep into prog territory, at times sounding like Rush’s more aggressive moments. There are strangely delivered vocals, weird melodies, and singing that sometimes feels a little strange. “I Am the Jigsaw of a Mad God,” at 8:33, is one of the most interesting cuts on the record, and one of the darkest.
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