Album Review: Vixenta/Elcrost – Split (House Of Ygra)

On the 3rd of September 2021, the independent label House of Ygra from Hanoi, Vietnam released a brand-new split-album from melodic black metal band, Elcrost and post black metal band, Vixenta. The split consists of 4 tracks, with each band contributing 2.

Beginning with Elcrost’s offerings, the smooth guitar strumming at the start of Hunters of Dawn and Eventide slowly begins to turn more sinister as whispered vocals arrive. The urgency increases in the instrumentation and the sense of something evil arriving gets stronger.

At nearly three minutes into the ten-minute runtime of this track, it finally bursts forth and Elcrost reveal their true form. A form made up of crashing and smashing black metal speed, power and passion. Dripping with dangerous vibes, it’s a track that feels like it’s going to go off the rails but never does thanks to the layering of melodic guitar tones.

Their second track. Calendula is a shorter and more piercing attack. A pummelling of concentrated instrumentation, Elcrost sound possessed here. Although it does feature some clean sing too.

Phantom Blood is the first of Vixenta’s tracks and while black metal is at its core, the emotive post-heavy melodies really make this a special sounding track. Powerful and memorable, it delivers exactly what you would want from something described as post-black metal.

Though that almost seems small fry when held up against the second of Vixenta’s tracks, the mammoth and expansive The Sorrowful Screams of a Thousand Wicked Souls. Where howling black metal ferocity meets thoughtful and moving instrumentation for something truly spectacular. A track that showcases imagination and thrilling melodic trickery to constantly keep things interesting.

A fantastic split that should serve as a great introduction to both these bands and what they are capable of.

Elcrost/Vixenta – Split Full Track Listing:

1. Elcrost – Hunters of Dawn and Eventide
2. Elcrost – Calendula
3. Vixenta – Phantom Blood
4. Vixenta – The Sorrowful Screams of a Thousand Wicked Souls

Links

YouTube | Spotify | Elcrost Bandcamp | Vixenta Bandcamp | House of Ygra