Shroud of Despondency – Dark Meditations in Monastic Seclusion (2011)

It’s been a while since we’ve heard from Shroud of Despondency and with “Dark Meditation in Monastic Seclusion” we can say the wait was not in vain. Featuring seven tracks of Black Metal and an atmospheric passages, the band returns with full force to make an impact on the USBM scene.

Mixed between acoustic passages, “Dark Meditations” has some excellent Black Metal sections with very creepy atmospheres that will haunt your dreams for months. A fine example of this is the use of choirs in the track “Homo Homini Lupus”, a chaotic 8 minute long track.

“Parting of the Way” also features deranged vocals with excellent music that rivals any other USBM Black Metal band and puts half-assed kiddie bands to shame. Clocking at 10 minutes this song feels like a vortex into another dimension of chaos. “Sybil” goes into very dark folk landscapes and allows listeners to catch a breath only to return into rhythmical Black Metal excellence with “Sullen Murmur Oppressive Stillness”.

The band’s Black Metal has a very European feel to it and while it’s not as raw as other bands, Shroud of Despondency creates a very decadent atmosphere. The acoustic/tribal elements of songs like “Sybil” and “Flicker of the Ardent Light” give the album a certain touch that allows comparisons to Agalloch releases.

Closing this release we have the crushing “To Glisten in all the Colors of Distress”, this 11 minute track nicely summarizes this whole album with pure chaotic Black Metal minus the naivety of younger and less experienced bands. In general, “Dark Meditations” is a very powerful release that features both calm acoustic passages and infernal Black Metal compositions that are not for the weak of heart and mind. Very recommendable release for people looking for albums that go beyond the rawness of traditional Black Metal albums

Release: February 12th, 2011

Country: USA