Harkane - Fallen King Simulacrum (2020)

I'm a sucker for atmospheric post-metal, sometimes it means I listen to cringy and kitschy stuff but not this time. Harkane are Italian black metal band whose monumental music is not only dark and heavy but also extremely touching, just like their new material from Fallen King Simulacrum.

Dusktone, probably my favourite metal label, describes their music as "multifaceted barrage of coalescing poignant and orchestral parts, exploding in a unique, yet tremendous atmosphere". On one hand the vocals are very traditionally scream-oriented and rough, always making my throat hurt only from listening. On the other, the vital choir/orchestral parts add up to the massive atmosphere with no trace of kitschy falseness. Yes, it is monumental and absolutely breathtaking but it's only in good way. The themes the band draws inspiration from include the past of the Apennine Peninsula with ancient Rome appearing all over the place, being especially intriguing in Caligula with the opera-like "Ave Ceasar" as a chorus. Equally interesting a track is Hidden Amongst the Ruins of Ur as well as the single one, already appearing on the blog before, Fallen King Simulacrum. 

Fallen King Simulacrum costs 4.90 EUR.

Check: Caligula 

Country: Italy

Genre: atmospheric black metal

Label: Dusktone

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