Turia / Vilkacis - Split 12"

Known for his work in Fell Voices, Vanum, Vorde and Yellow Eyes, M. Rekevics would rightly be considered one of the pillars of North American black metal. While the aforementioned projects are wholly different in sound, an underlying vision underpins Rekevics' fertile career: one of strife, overcoming and the annihilation of all that binds our physical selves to this earth.

Vilkacis can perhaps be regarded as the purest distillation of this idea, effectively channeling the regal triumphalism of the eastern European black metal tradition within an austere and purposeful simplicity. Lyrically, the two songs, “In the Night's Grip” and “Final March into Flame”, display a fierce dedication to overcoming and individuation. Purification through fire and strife.

The second half of the split consists of two tracks by the emergent Turia. After last year's well received sophomore full-length “Dede Kondre”, the trio returns with two fierce songs recorded during the sessions of last years' album. Those familiar with Turia's idiosyncratic take on the genre will know what to expect: from the opening psychedelic swirl of “Tuchtroede” to the tragic march of “Spiegel der Eenvoudige Zielen” that closes the record, entrancement and otherworldly visions beckon. Flowing guitar riffs, combative drumming and desolate vocals: a clear development of the style Turia has become synonymous with.

Lyrically, Turia's side deals with the writings of Marguerite Porete, a 13th and 14th century French mystic. Through her autonomous union with the divine, bypassing the patriarchal authority of the church, she was deemed a heretic and subsequently burned at the stake.