Album Review: MØL – I / II (Holy Roar Records)

On the 7th June 2019 Holy Roar Records will reissue Danish blackgaze/post-metal/black metal band MØL’s first two EP’s, I and II, accentuating the formative years of one of Denmark’s brightest lights in metal.

Remastered and repackaged, MØL’s I and II are given a new life entirely. The hybrid of black metal and shoegaze has never sounded quite as spellbinding or masterful as it does in MØL’s case.

You can read our review of their debut full length album, JORD here.

It’s unrealistic to go into this release expecting music on par with what JORD gave us. This is MØL at their rawest and unrefined and it certainly shows but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have promise or excellent moments too.

Take opener Sundrowned…here we get a masterful blend of post with black metal that swirls around wonderfully. This is the MØL we know and love just a little rougher around the edges.

That roughness really comes to fruition on Airy and Makhachkala, both tracks showcasing a level of viciousness in the vocals that startles. Although the latter also has some phenomenal post-melodies too.

Kathexis then struggles to pick up steam at first before erupting into glorious blackgaze brilliance. It’s then followed by the strong Atacama, a blend of black metal ferocity and complex tempo shifts carried along by guttering guitars.

Finally it’s Rush, a track that can be rightfully called the best track of the bunch. The one that is most in line with what MØL would become. Spell-bindingly morose yet hopeful guitar rhythm and a desperate cry for release from the vocals. Damn is it a good way to finish up.

MØL – I / II Full Track Listing:

1. Sundrowned
2. Airy
3. Makhachkala
4. Kathexis
5. Atacama
6. Rush

Physical copies of the release can be ordered by Holy Roar Records here and via Bandcamp. Find out more about MØL via their Facebook and Instagram.

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