I think it's safe to say that when people take into consideration black metal in general, we tend to think of the sound in its more raw and chaotic forms. That shouldn't come as a surprise given the landmark releases of the sound across its many different veins that form a tremendous nervous system that's constantly working off itself, challenging itself, and adhering to its original principles all at the same time. However, that inevitably means some of the sounds are not given the credit they deserve. Thankfully, the rise of melodic black metal is something that cannot be denied with it really seeming to get a fresh boost in recent times with loads of bands coming around to try their own hand at the craft. For their second full-length offering, Bilwis stands tall as one of the more promising of such acts.
I've seen plenty looking down on the more melodic elements of black metal as it can be viewed as inferior because it doesn't offer credence to the more primal values that the sound has long held, and I truly feel sorry for those people. Melody has always played a big part in what black metal has long been capable of whether it come in an extremely lo-fi form or crisp riffs that are not to be denied. In the case of what Bilwis has brought forth for "Hameln", we see melody used to similarly great effect, but it is far from the only tool in the vast arsenal of Bilwis that allows this album to become all that it is. Harsh but no less than gorgeous in its smaller moments, "Hameln" treads the line of what melodic black metal can become in its modern form with a very selective use of atmosphere brought in for real contrast to bring even more color and personality to the intensity with which Bilwis wields with real competence. Not afraid whatsoever of even implementing a ripping solo for real flair or an additional instrument to really ensure the listener is taken to a completely different world, "Hameln" knows precisely how to execute its goal with magnificent splendor abound. This is but the second full-length offering from Bilwis after getting things started just four years ago, and it's already that this one-man act has come the distance to set itself apart in the quickly expanding melodic side of black metal. Where many might need more time to really get a feel for what all they can still do, Bilwis seizes its destiny with two clenched fists.
The legend of every band starts somewhere in the depths of the underground, and some manage to dish out excellence practically right out of the gate with their influence only growing with time. I had heard much of the first Bilwis creation when it came around, and it is now here with "Hameln" that I am fully convinced of the power that we're dealing with for this act. Where power, majesty, and melody come together in a flavorful form, Bilwis is more than happy to oblige in its own dark way.
"Hameln" releases on April 5th via Northern Silence Productions!
LISTEN to an advanced track from "Hameln" on Bandcamp here.
LIKE Bilwis on Facebook here.
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