The third album by Mgła had been long awaited; now the new masterpiece of the Polish band has arrived. I do not think I need to introduce this band that has gained the status of a cult band among the trve black metal fans.
I say masterpiece because I really think Exercises in Futility is a masterpiece. First of all Mgła confirm their tradition of wonderful and appealing covers; they have also polished some imperfections they still had in the previous album With hearts toward none (2012), thus bringing out a perfect album. Exercises in Futility is not monoaural as I think With hearts toward none was due to an intensive use of tremolo riffs. The new album shows off a bigger deal of variety thanks to the use of different riffing styles; the many polyphonies increase the dramatic tension of the melodies as well as they thicken the blanket of obscurity typical of the sound of the Polish guys. M. interprets the lyrics with pathos, while Darkside does a great job on drums. The result is an album of big impact which is able to engross the listener since the very first note. And once you're in it, this album will give you addiction. The sound is always the same, while the production, albeit underground, fits perfectly the band's sound.
As always, this album revolves around a concept, and the song titles are distinguished only by a Roman numeral. The main theme of the lyrics is nihilism; the first verse can function well as a manifesto:
“The great truth is there isn't one
And it only gets worse since that conclusion
The irony of being an extension to nothing
And the force of inertia is now a vital factor”
Exercises in Futility is a complex and profound, but engrossing album; I think it is the most masterpiece album by Mgła and surely among the top albums released in 2015.
Notes:
Release date: September 4 2015 on Northern Heritage Records.
Tracklist:
1. Exercises in Futility I
2. Exercises in Futility II
3. Exercises in Futility III
4. Exercises in Futility IV
5. Exercises in Futility V
6. Exercises in Futility VI
Personnel:
Darkside: drums
M.: vocals, guitars, bass
Text by Herjann
herjann@unholyblackmetal.com
I say masterpiece because I really think Exercises in Futility is a masterpiece. First of all Mgła confirm their tradition of wonderful and appealing covers; they have also polished some imperfections they still had in the previous album With hearts toward none (2012), thus bringing out a perfect album. Exercises in Futility is not monoaural as I think With hearts toward none was due to an intensive use of tremolo riffs. The new album shows off a bigger deal of variety thanks to the use of different riffing styles; the many polyphonies increase the dramatic tension of the melodies as well as they thicken the blanket of obscurity typical of the sound of the Polish guys. M. interprets the lyrics with pathos, while Darkside does a great job on drums. The result is an album of big impact which is able to engross the listener since the very first note. And once you're in it, this album will give you addiction. The sound is always the same, while the production, albeit underground, fits perfectly the band's sound.
As always, this album revolves around a concept, and the song titles are distinguished only by a Roman numeral. The main theme of the lyrics is nihilism; the first verse can function well as a manifesto:
“The great truth is there isn't one
And it only gets worse since that conclusion
The irony of being an extension to nothing
And the force of inertia is now a vital factor”
Exercises in Futility is a complex and profound, but engrossing album; I think it is the most masterpiece album by Mgła and surely among the top albums released in 2015.
Notes:
Release date: September 4 2015 on Northern Heritage Records.
Tracklist:
1. Exercises in Futility I
2. Exercises in Futility II
3. Exercises in Futility III
4. Exercises in Futility IV
5. Exercises in Futility V
6. Exercises in Futility VI
Personnel:
Darkside: drums
M.: vocals, guitars, bass
Text by Herjann
herjann@unholyblackmetal.com