Search - Krieg :: The Black House

Pure American Black Metal

Twitch | Atlanta, GA | 02/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The undisputed leader of the U.S. black metal scene, Imperial, has returned with what is to be the best release from these shores in years. 'The Black House' is an album that goes far beyond the ambient, visceral, violence that made `Destruction Ritual' so brilliant and reaches a profound level of darkness that hits hard both physically and mentally. All of the parts that you would expect from a Kreig record are there, but all are a bit clearer, and the album as a whole can be called more "musical" than their previous releases. This by no means compromises any of the darkness and evil that Imperial portrays through these surprisingly emotional and jet black tracks. Perhaps the most unexpected aspect of the album is the cover of Velvet Underground's classic "Venus in Furs". Though seemingly an odd choice for such a project, the song is a definite highlight of the album. It catches the feel of the original track and mixes with the aggression that Kreig is so well known for. A more than welcome addition to an nearly flawless album. Kreig's `The Black House' is a disturbing, terrifying, and, dare I say, elegant release that is truly beyond words.



9.5 / 10"