Kval – Kval (2017)

Making its way to our office from Canada, today we have Finland’s one-man demolition squad Kval and its self-titled debut release. Originally releasing music under the moniker Khaossos, Kval’s sole member crafts some of the most misanthropically punishing Atmospheric Black Metal we have heard in a while. Evoking the raw elements of old-school Burzum and the bleakness of Mortualia, this is one heavy release.

After setting the mood with the chilling “Usva”, the punishing distorted guitars first make an appearance on “Sokeus”. Instantly creating a wall of dissonance, the guitars perfectly blend with a trance-inducing bass guitar line and their demoralizing harsh vocals. These elements are very nicely contrasted with somber instrumental passages. The transition between songs is quite subtle and before you know it, this release is already on its third track, “Harhainen”.

Providing a little breathing room, “Kaiku Tyhjyydesta” changes the mood for Kval to unleash the pummeling “Polkuni Vaila Suunta”, a raw and devastating piece that will haunt your dreams. This track has a certain Mysticum-esque Industrial feel to it, making it quite dense and powerful. The band’s rawness is very effective in creating very bleak and desolate soundscape that will appeal to any fan of the genre.

Closing with the ravaging “Kuolonkuu”, Kval comes full circle with this pummeling release. This one-man battalion has managed to unravel one of the most powerful and decadent Atmospheric Black Metal releases of 2017 and should be recognized. If you are looking for raw demoralizing power with a primitive vibe, look no further and pick up a copy of this gem.

Label: Hypnotic Dirge Records

Release: July 27th, 2017

Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal

Country: Finland