I had never heard of Psychonaut 4 before. That said, until someone very dear to me (yes you know who you are) mentioned that she really loves this band. And since Psychonaut 4 released a new album, I delved into their newest offspring presenting you with this review.
I can’t say anything about their previous releases but “…Of Mourning” sounds really good! They present a unique blend of Depressive Black Metal but incorporate other music genres, such as Rock, as well. It’s a highly misanthropic album where desperation oozes out its pores. The maniacal voice of Graf really gives an edge which makes their music dangerous and unpredictable.
With the intro “Ghele” we are off to a good start. A woman starts weeping and aided with acoustic guitar, the melancholic mood is set. “Mzeo Amodi” begins as a pretty generic Black Metal track before bursting into flames. I must mention the vocals of Graf, who sees to it that the tension is really felt on this track. Combining slower parts with “normal” vocals with aggressive outbursts proves to be an excellent choice. Nearing the end the despair is complete with chilling rockin’ vibes before the guitar solo comes to a fitting end.
“Fiqrebi Mtsukhrisa”, on which MS (Harakiri For The Sky) delivers the guitar solo at the end, is a melancholic song which uses even more Rock / Heavy Metal influences and manages to enthrall me with its beautiful female vocals, clean singing and moody keyboard (at the end of this song).
“Vai Me” consists of clean vocals and has a Gothic-Rock feel. It’s slowly drawing you in and feels as if you really are …In Mourning while “Sizmrebshir” lets you meander in a ten minute during dark and dreamy nightmare with a great ending (no, I won’t give any spoilers, you have to find out yourself).
This album concludes with “DzilisTsameba” and proves to be a dark, haunting and mesmerizing track which sees to a fitting conclusion with, again, great clean vocals during the end.
This album sure sounds as if someone is …In Mourning. It’s a well-produced and executed swansong about grief, depression, loss, anger and despair. I can only conclude that this album delivers a punch of raw emotions. The forty-one minutes of darkness displayed on this album is heavy on the soul yet is great to listen to. I have listened to this album countless times during the last few weeks. It took me a few spins to digest this album but slowly, gradually it took a hold on me and just wouldn’t let me go. I am hooked and look forward seeing these lads from Georgia (the country, not the state) live. As these musicians display their craft on the stage as well as on this album we must be in for a treat.
Immortal Frost Productions has signed another quality band on its roster. If you like music to be experimental yet it doesn’t deny its roots, be sure to check this album out because it won’t disappoint. Great stuff!!
Reviewed by: Erik
Release date: 25 October 2024
Label: Immortal Frost Productions
Score: 8,5 / 10
Track list:
- Ghele
- Mzeo Amodi
- Fiqrebi Mtsukhrisa
- Vai Me
- Sizmrebshir
- Dzilis Tsameba
