Krvna – The Rhythmus of Death Eternal (Mini-Album)
Release Date: 10th January 2024
Label: Zazen Sounds
Bandcamp
Genre: Black Metal
FFO: Tribulation, Dissection, Ellende.
Review By: Hillary Wisniewski
Australian black metal project, Krvna, are ringing in the new year with a stellar mini-album, The Rhythmus of Death Eternal. How fortunate are we to be hearing some new work so soon considering it was December 2022 Krvna’s sophomore album, For Thine is the Kingdom of the Flesh, was released. I had the absolute pleasure of reviewing it and after being blown away, it easily made my Top 10 list for 2022. Needless to say, when I saw this new release as a choice for albums to review I quickly snagged it up; there are zero regrets regarding my decision.
The Rhythmus of Death Eternal may only consist of 5 tracks, but they are full of substance and executed quite well. Around 24 minutes of original material is followed up with 2 excellent covers of Bathory and Abigor. Stellar riffs and solid harmonies interplay with furious percussion which hits listeners with a jaw cracking force. Solos on the tracks are quite enjoyable as they have technical chops, but there is some looseness which lends itself to an organic feel. Dark, foreboding energy is woven throughout and creates an atmosphere that would be fitting for all creatures of the night. As far as the production is concerned, Krvna again strikes the right balance. This is a vile and evil sounding album; however, there is enough clarity to hear different elements that would likely be lost if more on the lo-fi end. The original tracks tie in quite well with the covers. In fact, according to the press release, they “…would almost seem like Krvna tracks themselves if one were not well versed in ’90s black metal.” As far as complaints with this album go, I don’t have any outside of the fact it is but a small taste of what Krvna has to offer. Sure, a full length release would have been most welcome, but this is something to hold us over until that time. The Rhythmus of Death Eternal is a great way to kick off my reviews in 2024. Be sure to check it out!
(4.5 / 5)
