Raging and fast-paced black metal with a strong melodic flair to it is what this Tasmanian horde brings to the table and it is a delight to immerse oneself in tunes that are as epic as these. The melodies are rather morose and there are some great harmonies in play on this 8-track offering. On top of that, these guys are undoubtedly skilled musicians and their compositions come across as focused pieces with depth and substance to them. Not that Atra Vetosus are doing anything new as such, but they obviously have a firm grasp of how to write engaging and concise songs that evoke feelings of longing, loneliness, and nature’s enduring mysteries.

Many of the tracks unfold gradually and achieve a captivating grandeur, which is perhaps best illustrated by the brooding “Ever Falling Snow” and the overwhelmingly majestic “Fading Life, Winter Winds”. The acoustic “Violet” is another heartfelt treat. The record sounds cold and hard, yet there is something strangely appealing and warm about it too, which is an interesting contrast, me thinks. The vocals are a tad one-dimensional and could do with some more variation, but they get the job done.

 “Apricity” is well worth checking out should you find yourself in the mood for some diverse, melodic, and hugely atmospheric metal. This is a very cool soundtrack to December and January – that is for damn sure.

 

https://digital.immortalfrostproductions.com/album/apricity