Album Review: ... But Not Forgotten - Chapter I
6.8/10
Keeping with the theme from Wednesday, ... But Not Forgotten is a black metal solo project based out of Newport, UK. Their latest release, Chapter I, was recommended to me directly by Nathan Allison, the man behind the act, and is the first full length LP released through the project's Bandcamp. ... But Not Forgotten cite the influence of genres such as symphonic metal, ambient electro, and DSBM (Depressive Suicidal Black Metal), the last of which I was regrettably unfamiliar with until today, but frankly it just seems like a touchier term for emotionally raw post-black metal. Die-hards: correct me if I'm wrong.
Chapter I brings the intense ferocity and wintriness of traditional black metal while also experimenting with elements such as symphonic instrumentation and fiercely distorted vocals. Its strongest points are its predominantly piano driven tracks; XIII Death and IV The Emperor, both of which beautifully splice the minor-key gentility of the piano with Allison's fuzzy, shredding vocals. In general the vocals on this release are heavily distorted and intensely trebly, creating an effect which can often feel cathartic but sometimes feels simply a bit obnoxious. Also a bit obnoxious, III The Empress is an appallingly weak point on this LP. The production feels quite cheap and the musicality arbitrary and repetitive. Luckily, it's overshadowed by some of the stronger tracks; XIX The Sun is refreshingly thrashy and by far the most solid metal track on this album, without compromising its weighty depression. The LP's lengthier, post-rocky outro, XVII The Moon, sets a mood and runs with it. Overall, this is a satisfying initial LP from a respectably novel black metal outlet, and a recommended listen for anyone akin to the edgier side of heavy, depressive music.
You can listen to Chapter I on Bandcamp here.