It’s a rarity that we find a gem that strikes a chord within us to the point of these words not adequately describing its quality. We get a LOT of submissions. While I have searched out labels, 95% of what we get is through submissions or promo lists.

Our offering today is one that I found this weekend. Having found zero information on the net other than a Facebook link, it allowed me to focus exclusively on the music; that is, without any context. Often that is the best scenario. No location, no member names, nothing… just an album that simply blew me away. The last time that happened was with the German band, Totengefluster. But that’s neither here nor there. Here we are with a band called Bloodbark and their digital-only release, Bonebranches.

Bonebranches contains three lengthy tracks between 10:43 and 17:56. Not a fan of longer tracks? Think again. There is not one single minute of the album that doesn’t hold the listener’s attention. What makes Bonebranches even more intriguing is the fact that each piece establishes a simple theme and builds upon it with layering and slight variations using the guitar, the string sounds, the flute sound and so on. Moreover, unlike some black metal/atmospheric black metal releases, the tracks are completely memorable.

Yes, it’s that good. I’ll go so far as to say this is one of the atmospheric black metal albums I’ve heard in the last 2 years; melodies that reach the sky and skewer the clouds, perfect dynamic balance of build-ups and quiet moments, vocals that scream of desperation and yet, hope.

Furthermore.. this is a Name Your Own Price release. So if you are reading this, you have ZERO excuse to not check this out. If you are a fan of Alcest, Chiral and An Autumn For Crippled Children, surely you’ll love this release. But please do consider supporting the artist. Work like this is a rarity.

Atmospheric black metal just doesn’t get any better than this. Period.

Stunning, majestic and uplifting. Extremely highly recommended.

https://bloodbark.bandcamp.com/album/bonebranches

https://www.facebook.com/Bloodbark

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