Vehementer Nos is the chase today. More specifically, their debut Vehementer Nos is the chase today. And Vehementer Nos is good. Definitely a severe case of the "Cuban cradle".
So VN play 'prog Black metal' and yeah, like most 'prog' Black metal bands out there that means they have asked guest musicians to take care of the violin, cello and flute on this album. You can hardly call this prog any more, in my opinion, as these three instruments are the usual suspects when a band plays 'prog Black'. But still, what VN have going for them is that the incorporation of these 'new' elements is done in a very professional manner. The album displays a very organic and balanced mix of both classical influences and pure Black metal, of melancholy and evil, of beauty and raw ugliness.
It reminds me a bit of Nagelfar, but then again, pretty much any proggy Black metal band with epic and free flowing song structures remind me of the German Kaisers. Still, it says something about the quality of VN that they remind me of Nagelfar, in a good way of course. The only bit of criticism I can think of is that sometimes they're just a bit too elaborate, or is that just me and my attention span? All in all a fresh, well-constructed piece of Black metal enjoyable for every Black metal fan looking for 'a bit more'.
But what am I thinking - as if you're even reading this. You're too busy realizing you just found the reason why your girlfriend ditched you. Sorry man, but knowing Kama Sutra is mandatory. Now go read up, you've got homework to do. I mean, errr, check Vehementer Nos! Yeah.... definitely check out the music...
Geek.
