Founded back
in 2005 and with one demo CD under their belt, the duo Wishbone
and Grabestau, known as WRACK, now releases its debut album
entitled Gram und gleißende Wut (translated
to: Grief And Glistering Rage). WRACK combines what once
put me under the spell: gloomy and apocalyptic Black Metal as
made by Void Of Silence (Criteria ov 666) and Black Metal art
as known from Agrypnie, I especially sense out during the track
Rot. Also references to Helrunar and, regarding guitar
work, Negura Bunget might be drawn. Exactly that kind of Black
Metal fair I fall for ;)
A nightmarish Industrial-tinged intro (Chaos regiert) opens
Gram und gleißende Wut, followed by five
epic compositions running from at least 8 up to 18 minutes, giving
free rein to desperation, where bitterly cold souls freeze warm
human blood and “mind slashes flesh”. It’s a
dissection of the abysmal depths of humanity, and these abysses
are deep. Haunting!
On this record WRACK don’t lose themselves in hysterical
furiousness, neither in singing nor in speed, although such musical
concept would already demand such approach. WRACK keep
it restrained, subtle, focus on atmosphere and variety. But they
nevertheless know how to accelerate to the max to add aggression
when needed. And again I have to point out Rot as an example
for the band’s varied style of composing. Rot shines
with its melodies, hauntingly beautiful guitar solos, and pace
reduced till you want to call it Doom and now and then interspersed
clear vocals.
When listening to Gram und gleißende Wut first
time, one might get lost in its single tracks. But step by step
the listener will discover where, when and how single parts and
tracks get distinguished, and where the red thread runs through.
It takes time and passion, but it’s worth the effort.
Gram und gleißende Wut surely leaves room
for further developments and experiments. With good grace WRACK
may replace occasionally used musical quotations of known idols
with own innovative ideas. But it is a great first album, offering
so much potential and creativity. They truly got me hooked!