(Atmospheric Black Metal) [CD] Blut aus Nord - Hallucinogen - 2019, FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Blut Aus Nord is a one of the most diverse projects related to black metal. Through its reach history BAN has dealt with atmospheric black metal, industrial and progressive black metal (majorly a mix of those), and other musical styles. Sometimes there were more electronica influences. Sometimes there was such stuff, that was difficult to be classified. Prior to the release of "Hallucinogen" the project's leader Vindsval announced, that there would be something new yet again. And he didn't lie, but still this time it's more of a reintroduction of a well-recognized sound, than bringing an absolutely new one.
"Hallucinogen" is very similar to "Memoria Vetusta" trilogy. It is based on the same type of atmospheric black metal, a clean, melodic and meditative one. However, there are noticeable differences from that kind of sound. "Hallucinogen" is even more melodic, which is established by the respective approach of the lead guitars. However, there are more of progressive metal influences. "Memoria Vetusta" albums didn't have this quality in such amounts. The music of "Hallucinogen" is technical, riffs are a bit mechanized, guitar solos are colorful.
The thematics of the album is obviously linked with psychedelia. The corresponding moods indeed can be noticed on "Hallucinogen" due to the fascinating lead guitars, but it's fair to say, that some of BAN's industrialized stuff was more convincing with the psychedelic touch. For example, the "777" trilogy. There were examples of more viscous, enshrouding and mesmerizing sound. The likes of "Epitome II" or "Epitome XII" could prove it well. Or let's remember "Codex Obscura Nomina" split, where BAN's music was utterly delirious. "Hallucinogen" is a quite hypnotizing piece of music, but not a frantic one. So, probably it's better to say, that on "Hallucinogen" Blut Aus Nord presents psychedelia from the other angle.
An interesting thing about "Hallucinogen" is the fact, that the vocals play a completely secondary role. They sound far from the background. Majorly that is a choir-like type of clean vocals, which was common for "Memoria Vetusta", but there also are smaller amounts of screaming. Putting the vocals to the background makes a feel, as if "Hallucinogen" is an instrumental album. This makes music less disturbing. The clean vocals on "Memoria Vetusta" were creating an epic atmosphere. There's no such thing on "Hallucinogen", as with distancing the vocals the music is aimed to focus on the beauty of the melodies, on the psychedelia.
"Hallucinogen" is holistic, it brings similar moods on every composition. The album possesses a charming melodicism. Its music is based on black metal, but it doesn't sound aggressive. It has other purpose though: to hypnotize. The suggested thematics probably could make a lot of listeners wait for more delirious and weird stuff, but this album eventually brings the other type of psychedelia. "Hallucinogen" becomes more, than just an interesting work, because it is truly meditative and gorgeous.(с)

W.D. Feld Drums, Electronics, Keyboards
Vindsval Guitars, Vocals
GhÖst Bass
Thorns Drums