Atmospheric blackened thrash metal with twists - A review of Korpius' Shades of Black

Korpius is a defunct extreme metal band incorporating atmospheric blackened death metal stylistics with a few more melodic touches inspired by more traditional doom and heavy metal on one side and some slightly faster thrash metal on the other side. The band has only released one studio record, entitled Shades of Black, which is a shame because this album shows some promise.

The band's overall quite sinister soundscapes that could not only please extreme metal fans but also those who like aggressive gothic metal are complemented by a handful of intriguing elements. Korpius often comes around with some powerful thrash metal shredding that will make your head bang. Occasionally quite melodic guitar solos inspired by traditional heavy metal also lighten things up at the right moments to add some dynamic diversity. From time to time, the band also slows down and incorporates short doom metal soundscapes into its creative songwriting. One track even ends with dreamy acoustic guitar passages that blend in perfectly and give the audience time to digest the record's more pitiless moments.

Not everything is perfect on this debut album though. The faster blackened death metal riffs sound at times quite exchangeable. The grunts and screams complement each other well overall but aren't particularly outstanding if one evaluates them separately. The songwriting shows promise but the band hasn't found its very own identity yet on this album.

Fans of atmospheric blackened death metal should give Korpius' Shades of Black a shot. The album includes a gripping atmosphere, emotional guitar solos and a few intelligent variations in pace and style to keep things fairly interesting throughout a little bit less than forty minutes. It isn't an album that will be remembered as lost gem but it's very good for what it is and it's a pity the band hasn't survived.

Final rating: 65%