Instrumental black metal can be a little hit or miss at times, as one of the defining features of the black metal genre is the snarling and unforgiving vocal deliveries, but an instrumental album that definitely ticks all the right boxes is Without Voices, the new offering from Negative Symbols, an instrumental black metal project from Benedikt Willnecker.
The storytelling throughout the nine tracks is masterful; it’s like there’s one thread linking everything together from start to finish and it’s a pleasure to listen to as a result. Although at times it does feel like a little more variety would be appreciated at times, as some of the songs do get a little repetitive, Willnecker has created stunning musical soundscapes that really draw the listener in, and the flow from one song to the next is great.
There’s beautiful melodic moments that juxtapose well against the harsher, more aggressive sections, and you can’t help but remain on the edge of your seat as you follow each twist and turn, and wonder what will happen next as each song progresses – and that’s what makes the album so good.
As a whole, this is a good, strong listen. For those that are into their instrumental music, this is an album that should not be missed.
8/10
