Artist: Herzsklave
Country: USA
Label: Narbentage Produktionen
Formats: Cassette Tape
Year: 2025
Honestly, I am not too much into Depressive Black Metal myself. Most of the times I think it is rather pretentious and it is hard to take seriously, especially when bands take on such names as Sorry or Happy Days. No thanks, I rather stick to classic Black Metal that most of the times evoke an equally misanthropic or eerie atmosphere. But, as is always the case, there are lots of exceptions. This, I guess, new entity called Herzsklave is one of those welcome exceptions.
I have no reason to doubt the man’s intentions and reasons to get out such music as he does on ‘Anti-Romantic Black Metal’, but judging by the information on the Bandcamp page he must have gone through some serious pain and anguish. That obviously lead to this debut recording that sounds like a fitting soundtrack to whatever haunted his soul, but the most important, for the listener at least, is that it feels genuine and the music on offer has something substantial to offer.
‘Anti-Romantic Black Metal’ serves us with a combination of what you could call standard Depressive Black Metal and a good dose of something that is halfway between contemporary Dungeon Synth and classic Dark Ambient. The latter is not only placed in between tracks here and there, but, for good measure, is also an integral part of the music throughout. Consequently, the very essence of Herzsklave is a moody and very melancholic form of Black Metal that heavily relies on its slow pace and repetitive patterns. The mournful melodies come mostly in the form of keyboards that, on top of some background humming, can also take the lead.
Songs like ‘Ghastly Moans Like A Banshee In The Night’ and ‘An Ache That Lasts Eternally’ might hold the most for those seeking some real Depressive Black Metal, but in fact, the album needs to be experienced in its entirety to inhale its scorching negativity. Although I am writing this on a dreary day, ‘Anti-Romantic Black Metal’ is truly an emotional album that resonates with both your senses and your emotions, in that respect, the title seems a bit oddly chosen.
