Woe, A Spell for the Death of Man
Much like the work of Xasthur, Woe, too, is a one man black metal wrecking machine. Unlike the previous comparison, Xos (the man behind Woe) utilizes more structure to his songs than the dissonant ambivalence of Malefic. Sure, there are moments of dark atmospherics, but they are quickly ground into the earth by the hoofed feet of galloping steeds exploding straight from the fiery depths of Hell.
Misanthropic textures scar the driving blasts and melancholy riffs that fill the air as subtle melodic elements do their best not to drown in the shroud of darkness that Woe creates on each track. Balancing technical mastery with desolate atmospherics, A Spell for the Death of Man shears through the fabric of society with ferocious aggression and a hatred for mankind.
Solitude
“Solitude” opens with a solid two minute instrumental that sets the mood to utter despair before blasting drums and caustic guitars erupt at the 2:19 mark with tortured screams. The pace remains full on until just after the three minute mark as Woe settles into a dark groove and slick guitar work. This opening track some some incredible, maniacal blasts from the drum kit. Considering that Xos is playing all the instruments, this only proves to be that much more impressive. The drum and guitar combo starting at the 6:40 mark are killer.
Alone With Our Failures
I love the opening to this next track. Slower, sludgier guitars get going with steady drum work and Xos’ higher end, bitter screams. This dude sounds as though he’s holding back nothing in his delivery. The guitars become more discordant and slightly off-axis as the song progresses, adding to the chaos and aggression the track delivers violently. “Alone With Our Failures” is a pummeling bit of black metal goodness that you cannot miss.
Longing Is All That Will Remain
Xos wastes no time getting into the fray with this next track. It absolutely explodes from the speaker from the get go. Manic drum work and driving guitars push the misanthropic vocals through the speakers with violent force. The slow down just after the one minute mark is a nice, but brief reprieve from the onslaught. The track ends after seven minutes with light guitar work.
Condemned As Prey
After a few screamed lines of lyrics, Xos gets back down to business with his tortured delivery and driving rhythms. The guitars have a very melancholy, yet melodic tone to them as this one tears through your speakers. For as violent as this song is, there’s also an odd calm to it as well — like sitting in the eye of a hurricane.
I See No Civilization
The hatred for mankind continues with similar guitar tones and pummeling drums. This song illustrates one of my pet peeves when it comes to this form of metal. Eventually, the songs begin to sound all too similar to ones that preceded it on an album. Lucky for use, Xos threw in a few tempo changes and drum fills that help break up the monotony a bit. The track ends just as violently as it started.
Wake In Mourning
A solemn bit of guitar work starts this one off, but is quickly swallowed by the beastly drum work and driving riffage that we’ve heard throughout the album. The rapid fire blasts around the :45 mark are sweet as the pace is increased violently. I’m also digging the groove infused tempo change up at the three minute mark. That’s pretty damned slick.
Memento Mori
“Memento Mori” comes in with a good amount of reverb and guitar noise for the first 30 seconds before discordant noise and a steady beat come in. This one starts out much slower and has a more melancholy, darker feel to it as Xos screams in the near distance. The layered vocals are a nice touch, as well.
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Misanthropic black metal is one of those sub-genres of metal that can be hit or miss. Woe’s debut album was on the mark in terms of hitting some seriously evil and despondent chords with his take on the style. Higher end shrieks and screams accompany driving riffs that act as atmospherics and the final nail in the coffin of mankind at the same time. The production is spot on and makes the album that much more powerful.
Favorite Tracks:
All of them
Additional Notes:
N/A