Season Of Mist - 2017
7.5/10
Sometimes I come across albums that are a bit difficult to discuss in a vacuum, particularly when I work backwards in a discography amidst a new album being imminent. Black metallers Cloak are a good example, as their album The Burning Dawn is a masterpiece, but the debut before it doesn’t quite measure up. This makes sense when you observe history in motion, you just may have to peel away some layers. Nonetheless, To Venomous Depths is an enjoyable enough spin, and very much laid the groundwork for what’s to come, just some certain potentials weren’t realized.
Stylistically, this is more aligned with pure black metal workings that still resides on the fairly melodic side without releasing any menacing features. No gothic toppings or extra emotions are really introduced, but the sense for catchy hooks and memorable chops are present. Intense writing is very much the key ingredient, seldom moving into breakneck speeds but keeping even, slow moments very compelling. “In The Darkness, The Path” has some beautiful leads, particularly in the solo that’s backed by steady but advanced drum work, and “The Hunger” stood out as rather striking in its consistent drive.
Where To Venomous Depths kinda falls is that the band hasn’t yet understood how to utilize repetition properly. The riffing itself is always fine, but my attention suffers due to much of it going on for longer than it needs to. Without really having extra layering to introduce new feelings, harsh vocals with constant recharging of the same rhythm will inevitably drag on too much. Certain parts are easier to overlook, usually thanks to rumbling bass passages like in “Forever Burned,” but even that could have stood to lose a minute or two. Nothing is over the top to ridiculous, unenjoyable levels, it’s just a small case of a little more than necessary in almost every otherwise good song.
And that’s really the crux of the matter. Cloak very much had the chops down in their first run, but splicing them together and working in standout elements in an ideal fashion wasn’t fully realized yet. Thankfully, this gets expanded on in their follow-up, and I can only hope that the upcoming one does the same. Too much of a good thing isn’t always a good thing, but it’s a promising way to get things moving.
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