After six years of waiting, the German band Morast has finally released a brand-new full-length album. In the meantime, we did get the The Palingenesis EP in 2021, but since then, things have changed. Vocalist F has made way for Z (ex-Nagelfar, Endstille, Graupel), and that’s noticeable—his voice has a rougher edge than F’s, giving the overall sound a grittier feel.
The production and overall sound have also become rawer. The “clean” guitar tone from Il Nostro Silenzio has been stripped away in favor of a more Black Metal-oriented sound. However, the guitars are still tuned to the lower depths, creating a thick wall of sound.
Fentanyl—a morphine-like drug that is highly addictive, extremely harmful to health, and a massive problem in the United States right now. The album’s lyrics revolve around the emotional struggle of loss and depression, where this substance provides some with a fleeting sense of relief. Yet, while it numbs the emotional pain, it slowly destroys the body.
With six tracks spanning 34 minutes, one might argue this is more of an EP than a full album. But in an era where the average attention span rivals that of a Labrador with ADHD, the age of drawn-out concept albums seems to be fading. If you can convey your message in 34 minutes, that’s more than enough—and these German musicians manage to do just that.
Heavy, blackened doom that cuts to the bone, drenched in melancholy and despair. At times, it reminds me of a band like Winter, but with a Black Metal twist. This record drags itself forward like an addict with a spinal injury, yet it hit me hard and has earned a permanent spot in my playlist.
With standout tracks like Aratron and On Pyre, this album keeps you engaged until the very end. With their third release, Morast has once again delivered a compelling piece of Blackened Doom Metal, and all eyes are now on the future to see what’s next.
85/100
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