Mental Cruelty’s Zwielicht Album Review: A Blackened Symphonic Masterpiece
Unlocking New Realms For Blackened Symphonic Extreme Metal
Every album has a narrative that allows listeners to interpret the essence of the music. Mental Cruelty, hailing from Germany, has undergone a remarkable transformation, transitioning from a brutal and slam-styled deathcore band to embracing a captivating blackened symphonic sound. In this review we explore the stunning evolution and direction pursued by Mental Cruelty, resulting in their latest release, Zwielicht. With this album, they have surpassed expectations and crafted a musical masterpiece that demands attention.
Zwielicht serves as a continuation and a massive improvement in Mental Cruelty’s musical approach, direction, and soundscapes, following their acclaimed album “A Hill To Die Upon.” Released through Century Media Records, this album offers a cohesive and captivating listening experience from start to finish, leaving a lasting impression.
Mental Cruelty’s music blends symphonic and blackened deathcore, incorporating elements of brutal death metal and downtempo. While similar bands may not reinvent the wheel, Mental Cruelty stands out with their exceptional progression, craftsmanship, instrumentals, and showcased creativity in Zwielicht. The album presents some of their best and most well-produced music to date, elevating their artistry to new heights.
Zwielicht embraces relentless brutality, featuring slam-esque instrumentals and unrelenting breakdowns that will leave listeners entranced. Songs like “Symphony of a Dying Star,” “Mortal Shells,” “A Tale of Salt and Light,” and “Nordlys” showcase Mental Cruelty’s originality, creativity, and well-articulated approach. The album masterfully balances progression, tempo changes, melodic harmonics, and an engaging atmosphere, setting them apart from their peers.
This release marks a significant chapter in Mental Cruelty’s discography, captivating fans who enjoyed “A Hill To Die Upon” and those who appreciate the symphonic/blackened deathcore genre. Zwielicht is undeniably a monumental classic within the realm of extreme metal, solidifying Mental Cruelty’s position as a force to be reckoned with.
Mental Cruelty’s Zwielicht is a blackened symphonic masterpiece that showcases the band’s evolution and musical prowess. This album exceeds expectations, offering a captivating listening experience filled with relentless brutality and well-crafted instrumentals. Fans of extreme metal, particularly those who appreciate the genre’s symphonic and blackened facets, should not miss out on the monumental classic that is Zwielicht.
Overall score: 9/10
