Strynn – Alienation (2015)

Seems like there is something in the water in France that has been coming from the Norwegian highlands in the last few years, and that something is making some of the most vicious Black Metal bands come out of France instead of the Nordic lands. Today we have a very brutal outfit called Strynn and their sophomore release “Alienation”. Released through Mortis Humanae Productions, this is yet another of their finest releases for those of us that like savage Black Metal like it was originally envisioned many years ago.

Quickly pummeling through demoralizing tracks like “Anthropophobia”, “Sadistic”, and “Obliteration”, the band perfectly blends the rawness of Black Metal from the 90’s with a vicious clarity that we rarely hear these days. Not only looking to viciously attach through brutality, there are some atmospheric/’melodic’ elements like on “Desolation”, “Reminiscence” and “Plague” that make this release even more incisive and dynamic.

The dual guitar/vocal onslaught by Anadrark and Dwimorberg carries the band through this release, but it is not until the blistering fast drumming and funky bass guitar line creep out that the band’s music is truly fully integrated and firing on all cylinders.  Shaking things up with the 15-minute closer, “Jailed”, the band showcases their flair for the experimental and cracks out a 15+ minute blasphemous opus that is one of the best in this release.

As a whole, “Alienation” is one hell of a release that brings back the memories of raw and savage Black Metal, but with a certain French BM flair that will keep you waiting for more. Strynn is a pretty solid band that does not require of gimmicks to make a name for themselves. If you want raw and uncompromising brutality, look no further and start getting ‘alienated’.

Label: Mortis Humanae Productions

Release: March 13th, 2015

Genre: Black Metal

Country: France