Krallice - Dimensional Bleedthrough

“True” black metal seems to exist in a vacuum, a self-referential singularity that praises tradition over novelty, sameness over innovation. On their second full length, this New York quartet have outdone themselves by taking another brave, exploratory step that is anything but prototypical, challenging the usual cold atmospherics and low-fidelity melancholia of the Norway-obsessed hordes. These polished and virtuosic sound portraits resonate with solitude-stricken finesse, replacing the static textures and lacklustre production of traditional BM with the precision of dual-guitar harmonies and independent bass lines. The misanthropy and carnal anguish one expects are still evident, but consonant open chords, clean distortion and complex, progressive drumming warrant a new way of consuming the bleak, futuristic urgency. Regardless of how purists might respond to these interpretations of a quintessential formula, this record raises the bar well above and far beyond the norm. [Eric Ledford]