TUNDRA - The Darkening Sky review

 

TUNDRA - The Darkening Sky

Corrupted Flesh Records

So there's some explaining to get through here before any actual music commentary is explored. The label is releasing this album in March and on my birthday as well. But when I went to check out info on this band I learned something else. This release originally came out via a self release by the band back in 2019. Since then the band has also put out a slew of short form releases. And after listening to this full length I really need to check out those other releases.  

So OK it's getting it's proper debut of sorts. I see it all the time and after listening to The Darkening Sky I'm ready to scream hell fuckin yeah. Now just to get through all the info. TUNDRA are an Italian black metal act who started out back in 2002, aka: wow. This release is here is their fourth full length. But this band's catalog of short form releases is so extensive that it would take time and money to collect em all.

With all of that said what we have here is some traditional 90's era style raw black fuckin metal. Yeah I know, raw black metal in 2022 the mind boggles. But TUNDRA have two things going for em which I like a lot. Those things being conviction and atmosphere. 

Now as far as the latter part, what is black metal atmosphere? Well that's when the band's music takes you out of your comfortable zone and drags you into their dark realm. Listening to this album does that. Starting with the opening bass lead intro "End of an Era" which is somber. Then the face ripping title track commences and it's welcome to hell boys and girls. 

Great things about this release, cold and cruel sounding tremolo picked riffs, maniacal vocals that are harsh enough to peel paint off of walls. Add to all of that you've got solid drum work through out. Want some more? OK there's aspects of doom and thrash on here. Add to that the acoustic melodies slipped in. Yes this is grim and frosty at it's best.

https://www.corrupted-flesh.com/

LISTEN HERE:

https://corruptedfleshrecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-darkening-sky