Rev 16:8

Ashlands

AFM Records 2011

Caught somewhere in the fringes of orthodox Swedish black metal is Rev 16:8, which features an ex-member of powerhouse IXXI.  The style on Ashland should superficially appeal to fans of Watain and Marduk which I think stylistically lives in a burnt middle-ground between those bands.  A brooding and controlled riff erupts into manic drum bursts and hyper-riffs on album opener Agenda.  The tempo quickly contorts in time with the drum patterns and near melodies pierce the darkness of the track.  The title-track is up next and once again unleashes a volley of relentless speed.  The impenetrable blast beats finally collapse into a midtempo crawl of eerie blackness.  A fairly standard and hollow introduction of obscure vocals and nebulous guitar melody drips across the track A Study of Patterns and Habits, before some Dark Funeral-esque standard black metal power with a hint of groove comes rolling through the initial passage of The Chase.  Then a surprisingly catchy riff filters into the track and takes it over, all the while a feeling of controlled anger lurks behind the scenes.  You get the same sort of groovy melody on Serenade, but at a much faster pace.  The drums blast and hammer like a Gatling gun.  The final track is an instrumental that is strange and disconcerting with its distorted synths, piano, and muted shrieks.  Sure that sounds all fine, but as a whole this album feels a little flat and too controlled.  There is not enough of genuine emotion to be found within their music such as with Funeral Mist.  It seems somewhat lifeless in comparison to a lot of their countrymates, but if you are looking for a faster, less melodic Watain then Rev 16:8 might do the trick for you.