EP Review: Corroding Soul – Corroding Soul (Self Released)

Atmospheric black metal project, Corroding Soul, deliver emotional intensity with the independent release of their self titled EP on the 24th January.

Corroding Soul is the solo atmospheric black metal project of multi-instrumentalist David Lovejoy. Building on the success of EPs Hopeless and Nothing, Corroding Soul sees Lovejoy diving deeper and soaring higher as he explores the farthest shores of black metal’s kingdom, bringing a wonderful multitude of emotions, a breathtaking palette of hues and colours to its monochrome world, breaking through the ice with blinding rays of warm sunlight. Corroding Soul is made up of four movements, four intrinsically linked soundscapes that create a veritable symphony of sound and imagination; each multifaceted gem forming part of a greater whole.

Stylistically, there are similarities to bands such as Unrequited, Sylvaine, Ghost Bath and Deafheaven.

Complete with the impactful artwork of Abhijit Asad, Corroding Soul will be released on January 24th and will be available directly from the band at the Corroding Soul Bandcamp page.

I have left the pain behind me. I am free and unburdened, spinning and turning, racing through the currents of memory with a lightness of being I could never have imagined when the shadows of loss encircled me, pouring like a flood of desolation into my desperate lungs. The tides of black still swell and subside beneath me, but I can see the deep fissures and fractures in its surface, rich with colours and shades of illumination that my tortured gaze could never see before; before I laid down my arms and stepped into the cold blades of insubstantial knives, until I ceased to fight and embraced the darkness, finding victory in my defeat.

Corroding Soul comes with 4 tracks on it and packs a whopping almost 40 minute runtime so strap in for an immersive experience exploring emotional depths.

Opening track, Shadow, begins with a soothing and gentle passage quickly lulling you in before it then explodes into life where ripping drums and harsh, passionate vocals contrast to gorgeous and evocative guitars. It’s a powerful sound, mesmerising and engaging, delivering atmosphere in wave after wave. The lead guitars are something else, absolutely gorgeously worked into the heavier beats, then taking times to step forward into the light and lead. Being long songs, there is plenty of time for transitions and switches as the song plays out. Gentler, melodic sections with clever use of backing sounds deliver a dreamy and ethereal feeling yet threat exists and our emotions explode as it all kicks back in again. This is fantastic stuff.

Tempest follows and starts straight off with power and precision, blending a towering mix of those dreamlike lead guitars with the blast beats and harsh vocals. I love how the vocals are kept back in the mix, making them appear to just be another instrument, not leading from the front. It allows everything to shine and combine to create a single sound that washes over you. It’s a fiery beast of a track but no feeling is lost through the heaviness. It just conjures up different emotions and through the melodic touches, despite it’s crushing weight, it is a beautiful song. Respite is given half way through as we reflect during a gorgeous melodic slowdown with nice keys/piano work and wicked tapping drums before our souls are laid bare in a maelstrom of emotional intensity leading us to the close.

Bound keeps the bar raised to it’s highest possible level, hypnotising you with its utter beauty as it leads us in slowly with gentle melancholy. Of course I now expect to see the fire arrive and it does, carrying on the same melody from the slow start but now sped up and electrified. Guitars again absolutely wow me and the vocals, consistently harsh and intense, are a perfect fit for the overall sound and style. There are of course similarities due to the style in each song but that helps give the impression of this being a single body of work, just at different emotional states. Bound is another stunning song on a faultless release so far with just the closer to go, Sapphire.

And with Sapphire, Corroding Soul make absolutely sure that the quality does not dip for even a second as they deliver another atmospheric black metal gem. Running with a bit more of a wistful edge, there is a feeling of hope and light at times but delivered through introspection. Melancholic tinges catch your breath as the gentle intro holds your attention and beds you in. The gorgeous guitar work as the song explodes with passionate power is mesmerising and the melody in the heavier sections lifts you up and genuinely made me a little bit teary. I don’t know why, I was just lost in the music and it made me feel hopeful and strong and brought out some buried emotions in me, I think. That’s the level of quality Corroding Soul are hitting here.

It is so easy to get fully lost in what Corroding Soul have created. Musically it is so full and so engaging and truly a masterclass in creating atmosphere. Everything works. Everything! Just a glorious mix of vocals, drums, guitars and backing where everything has been pieced together meticulously to create a stunning release that must be heard. This is the very best of atmospheric/post black metal delivering powerfully emotional and impassioned music that should be put on a platform and worshipped. This will be one of the best releases you listen to this year, just make sure you do.

Tracklist:

1: Shadow
2: Tempest
3: Bound
4: Sapphire

Corroding Soul Links

Facebook – Instagram – YouTube – Bandcamp