Dreamscapes of the Perverse
Gignesthai
8.3
Synopsis:
Although North Carolina and Tribunal are known for metalcore, Dreamscapes of the Perverse is a symphonic black metal act that is worth your money and attention.
Review:
I actually have long standing ties with this North Carolina black metal act, being in communication with keyboardist/clean vocalist Ron Kirk ever since their impressive 2002 demo, The Rise of Self and I was glad to see the band signed to a local label, and even more glad to see they have released a very impressive debut album.
Though the US is hardly know for its symphonic black metal with maybe Sothis, Veneficum and Dragonlord (the fact Sothis remains criminally unsigned shows how behind the US scene is) being the cream of the crop, Dreamscapes of the Perverse are unashamed of their obvious Dimmu Borgir rooted sound. However, a slightly more progressive, cerebral edge similar to Borknagar and older Vintersorg, bolstered by Kirk’s now very Simen Hestnæs-ish croon, should raise DOTP to a level that commands international recognition.
Obviously the core of DOTP’s sound is epic symphonic keys and various moods of sweeping black metal that covers the usual spectrum of driving, majestic blasts (i.e. “World of Malice”, “Whilst Eternity Burns”) and more controlled regal pacing (i.e “In Anguished Verse”, “The Sickness Dominion”), along with the expected atmospheric interludes (“Decathect”, “Revalations”, “Gisnesthai”), all delivered with polish, skill and ample levels of competent songwriting that measure up to their European peers admirably.
The piece de resistance though is superb album closer, “Genesis Spectre”, which feature’s Kirk’s strongest performance as a clean singer to go along with the track's very Borknagar-like pacing and level of brilliance. If the band can sustain the quality of this track for future releases, the future looks very bright indeed. As is stands, Gisnesthai (bless you!) is a very, very competent album that should be regarded as one of the US’s finest symphonic black metal offerings.
