I Shalt Become – Poison (2010)

I Shalt Become is one of the pioneering bands behind the USBM movement of the last years, and while not as recognized as Leviathan and Judas Iscariot, the band has released some fine pieces of USBM history like “Wandering” and “In The Falling Snow”. “Poison” features an overly orchestral trip down to the depths of hell.

The first things that came to mind when listening to “Poison” are the quick similarities it draws to Elend’s work. And while the musical composition skills of S. Holliman are not as good as the ones behind Elend, this album does create a very dramatic atmosphere that is not to be taken lightly. Also, “Poison” features has a down temp feeling, similar to what some doom and funeral doom bands have been doing for years, providing an extra dimension to this fine release.

While “Poision” is not even 60% Black Metal, I Shalt Become has created a truly haunting and eerie album. There are some vocal shrieks that tend to disappear in the background, but other than this, there are no other Black Metal influences. The composition behind the songs is very monumental and well crafted, while there is a bit of lack in the creativity department to fully be considered Neo-Classical music, there is big merit in creating such a release.

For over 55 minutes you will treated to a brilliant and dramatic voyage into very dark and bleak passages that are not to be treated as ‘pretty’ pieces of music since they are very dark in nature. S. Holliman is pushing the boundaries of USBM with this release and will surely get a positive response from the musically educated listeners. For the people expecting raw and brutal Black Metal, they should avoid this album.

We are inclined to like this album very much because of the clear similarities with Elend, and the ‘doomy’ feeling behind it. The Black Metal aspects of this release are just little touches to create an every harsher atmosphere. We love anything that is trying to take a established genre into new directions and “Poison” achieves this in a very monumental way.

Release: June 22nd, 2010

Country: USA