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Review Summary: A cinematic black metal release with fantastic execution Incultus is the debut release by American metal band Xanthochroid. Although it would be wrong to say that Xanthochroid don't fit under the umbrella of melodic black metal, there is more to be heard here, given the almost cinematic element to the manner in which Incultus unfolds. Thus, it should be even more impressive that this is only an EP.
Each of the four main tracks bear trademarks of black metal with tremolo picking and blast beats abundant throughout. Importantly, the EP is filled with fantastic riffs but it's the mellower passages that make this EP special. Cello, keys and acoustic guitars are all present and the transitions are seamless. All of this and not a dull moment can be found. One such highlight might be the organ towards the end of "Iced, In Extremis". It perfectly showcases the dynamics and build Xanthochroid can create with their music.
With the 2014 remaster of this album, a fifth track entitled "Elegies of a Forgotten Race" is also included. Comprising a mixture of woodwind and Gregorian chants, the ethereal nature of this track makes it a fine closer. However, this isn't the last the last track as an 8 bit rendition of the first track is also included. It's a nice bonus, and not to be taken too seriously, but it's surprising how well "The Last Relic of Axen" translates into music reminiscent of the NES.
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"Although it would be wrong to say that Xanthochroid don't fit under the umbrella of melodic black metal, it seems unfair, given the almost cinematic element to the manner in which Incultus unfolds."
-wait, so black metal can't be cinematic? .-. (edit: sorry for being challenging like this but it would be good if you got used to defend what you state in reviews, and not to write stuff you don't mean -- both problems seem very common in sput reviews)
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I'm torn on whether to pos this or not. It's VERY short, but it gets a lot across and intrigued me enough to check out the album (which was a pleasant surprise).
And asdfp, I believer his point was that although they ARE cinematic, they don't quite fit under the melodic BM banner. As in, melodic BM is quite cinematic, and as true as that is for Xanthochroid, it doesn't quite fit as a label.
Pos'd. It's a short and sweet review, I don't think it's a 5.0, but good point made.
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Yeah, nothing wrong with being concise, but I'm not convinced that this is great :/ probably not gonna check this regardless, but still. You could say a lot more
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someguydude: yeah i see it, but he definitely didn't write that. He needs to rework this.
"Although it would be wrong to say that Xanthochroid don't fit under the umbrella of melodic black metal (i.e. "Xanthochroid are definitely black metal"), it seems unfair (i.e. "it seems unfair to say that Xanthochroid are black metal"/"it seems unfair that they fit under the black metal umbrella"), given the almost cinematic element to the manner in which Incultus unfolds." (i.e. "it seems unfair to say they are black metal, given how 'cinematically' this album unfolds")
He says it like the two are contradictions or something.
EDIT: I edited this comment like a million times btw
| | | Album Rating: 5.0
Thanks for the advice guys. This is only my second review so I guess I still need to work on some of my wording!
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Every time I hear of "cinematic" black metal, I think of Aquilus.
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Some tips on the review, though.
First, that last paragraph isn't exactly necessary, since you aren't reviewing the rerelease. You could have easily just put in a comment that the bonus track is worth checking out.
Second, I know you're new to reviewing, and it's a tiny tadpole noticeable that you're nervous about it. When you say that there is never a dull moment, elaborate on that. The elements you said make this EP special are VERY common in black metal, so simply stating that they hold a place in the songwriting tells the reader nearly nothing. Tell them what might set this particular record apart from the other droves of bands that have tried to pull the sound off. You only give one example, and even that is vague. All you tell the reader is that there is an organ being played. If that is the section you choose to inform the reader of, tell them how it elevates the track. Does it fit remarkably well in the song? Does it contrast the other instruments in a way that's entirely innovative, etc.?
I'm hoping I'm not coming across as a dick, man. You've got potential as a writer, just add a bit more substance to your reviews.
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it's not bad, but Blessed He With Boils is far superior IMO
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