Album Review: Vong – A Wander in Liminality (House of Ygra)

House of Ygra, the independent label hailing from Hanoi, Vietnam, will release ‘A Wander in Liminality’ from Vietnamese black metal solo artist, Vong.

A Wander in Liminality began life as demo in 2019 but has since been re-recorded and remastered. Along with new material, Vong now has a complete album ready to unleash on the 1st of July 2022.

Hypnotic and malevolent, Vong is born from the mud that shaped the early primitive black metal sound. Yet, A Wander in Liminality also showcases a deep understanding of atmosphere and a willingness to experiment. The opener piece of music, the title track, is all the proof you need of this.

That atmosphere is then transferred into the raw and rough black metal expulsion that is Lệ Chi Viên, Ất Dậu (Year of the Rooster), Storm Over the South Sea and The Birds Shall Carry My Bones Home. Where Vong creates instrumental devastation with the power of old-school frigid flames and the vocals shriek with hellish intensity.

It is incredibly harsh music which makes for an uneasy listen and certainly isn’t for naysayers of the traditional black metal sound. Yet, it is compelling and Vong has plenty more than just noise to offer. Before you even realise it, the darkness has consumed your soul and the twisted horror of Ghost of Long Forgotten Trails is the last nail to be hammered into your coffin.

Vong – A Wander in Liminality Full Track Listing:

1. A Wander in Liminality
2. Lệ Chi Viên
3. Ất Dậu (Year of the Rooster)
4. Storm Over the South Sea
5. The Birds Shall Carry My Bones Home
6. Ghost of Long Forgotten Trails

Links

Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | House of Ygra