Album Review: Liminal Shroud – Visions of Collapse (Willowtip Records)

Canadian black metal band Liminal Shroud will release their new album, ‘Visions of Collapse’, on July 5th, 2024, on CD, vinyl, and digital formats via Willowtip Records.

A band known for their incredible abilities to bring the blackened fire and fury, while also incorporating a ton of atmosphere. Liminal Shroud are back for another exhaustive trawl through the murky depths of black metal. Featuring an array of harsh and horrible sounds, but with deeper rivets of melody, and even more soul-crushing atmosphere. Black metal at its most miserable sounding.

All of this across five tracks, but five epic tracks. In length and in scope, Liminal Shroud make epic music, even if it comes from such a dark place.

Creativity showcased with aplomb as with Nocturnal Phosphoresence, Liminal Shroud take their time to showcase the innate blackness of their hearts. Building up affecting melody, keeping the instrumentals simple, then unleashing an inferno of sullen ferocity. Albeit a sound warped by the constant state of melancholy that exists throughout.

Early on, it’s clear that this album is going to take its toll on the psyche, but there’s no question about experiencing it fully, as what Liminal Shroud provide is so impressive. You won’t find any black metal bands dropping two 10+ minute tracks in a row.

First up, it’s Nucleonic Blight, and an intro that can best be described as the ‘calm before the storm’. The soft melody and whispered vocals transforming step by step into something more delightfully devilish sounding. Again, an importantly, melody and atmosphere play such an big part in things. Liminal Shroud not just making the experience sustainable but twisting it as it goes on.

Then, there is Resolve, an emphatic declaration of blackness, oozing intensity from every faucet of Liminal Shroud, but in such a measured way. Their approach continues to be so well thought-out, and the tone shifts flow so perfectly, it becomes a mesmerising experience. Be prepared for some of the heaviest rhythm bursts heard across the entire album here.

Three tracks in, yet over 30 minutes of music so far. Incredible.

The shortest track by some margin, Malaspina comes next and finds Liminal Shroud jumping between dour tones and chaotic blackened bursts of pure heaviness and speed. Before it’s back to being inimitably epic with the commanding and convoluted finale of The Carving Scythe. Right up to the very end, Liminal Shroud deliver a cacophony of creative music. Flames be damned, this is the void all must jump feet first into.

Liminal Shroud – Visions of Collapse Track Listing:

1. Nocturnal Phosphoresence
2. Nucleonic Blight
3. Resolve
4. Malaspina
5. The Carving Scythe

Links

Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Willowtip