Artist: Kasturn
Country: United Kingdom
Label: Death Hymns
Formats: Demo tape
Year: 2023
Although it is not 1997 anymore, but I could’ve picked any other random bygone year, sometimes a good cover still does the trick. On my daily foray in search of fresh metal gems I came across this rehearsal tape, the beautiful cover immediately made me press play and… the music did the rest.
Kasturn is a Black Metal trio from the UK that already released one demo tape and an EP, that apparently never made it onto my radars, and now returns with a 3-track rehearsal tape (together making up for about 15 minutes of music). The three tracks showcase a band that has been digging deep into the 90’s history of Raw Black Metal: a very shrill and piercing guitar tone and an equally icy vocal performance form the basis of the music. That atmosphere is further complemented by the Lo-Fi rehearsal sound, which evokes a great late 90’s demo sound. But it is not just Raw Black Metal, there is a solid rocking drive in the songs, something that is especially reflected on the last track ‘Dismal Victory’, a song that starts with a well-placed ‘uh’ (Celtic Frost style). However, that all together strong and somewhat Norwegian-sounding basis is also graced with some deep-rooted melodies that give this rehearsal tape a multi-layered character. In any case, a very pleasing first acquaintance with Kasturn for me.
