Artist: Daedric Chamber
Country: USA
Label: Grime Stone Records / Nightshade Productions
Formats: Cassette Tape / CD
Year: 2024
Although ‘The Bleak Veil Endures’ is a bit older, being released on CD some half year ago, it is still very much worth some attention. It is an album that once again shows that Daedric Chamber is a band that is riding a wave of interesting creative growth. By blending both atmospheric and raw elements of Black Metal with early 00’s Dark Ambient and Dungeon Synth the one-man project isn’t by far inventing a new crossbreed, but it is the conviction and Snitz’s sense for impeccable song writing that makes Daedric Chamber an act to keep an eye on. Besides, the cassette tape version of ‘The Bleak Veil Endures’ popped up a few months later than the original CD release. So, if I really needed an excuse…
With ‘The Bleak Veil Endures’ you aren’t presented with anything that’s new to the Daedric Chamber formula, it rather feels like another logical step in the band’s musical journey. If you hit play, you’ll be met with some nice mellow Black Metal with great piano melodies and a true Pagan-feel. That definitely sets the mood for the entire album. Both the melodies and the Pagan-vibe in the music are not new and was already tried before in previous Daedric Chamber releases, and the same goes for the more mellow and moody sort of Black Metal. But all three of these elements are now expanded and play a major role in the overall sound of ‘The Bleak Veil Endures’.
That doesn’t mean that the raw side of the band is completely gone, take a listen to ‘Throne Atop The Grasp Of Death’ or ‘Mournful Aegis Tomb’ for instance. Both tracks do offer a much harsher approach in both the sharp sounding guitars and a fierce raspy vocals deliver, but especially the brisk tempo is the ear-catcher here. But, even with those faster tracks, with slight hints of later Mütiilation to it when it comes to the guitar tone and vocal timbre, there is a distinctly memorable Pagan/folky touch to it.
The combination of the degree of melodicism and rawness with a sometimes more mellow approach makes ‘The Bleak Veil Endures’ an interesting album that actually gets better after a few listens. Then it will slowly unfold and give away its secrets, even some 80’s Wave melodies in the strumming can be discerned. Personally I am very happy with the way the band is evolving and I think many a later Drowning The Light-fan will agree.
