This review is exceptionally dedicated to two releases by the same band, Sallow, a black metal trio formed in 2013, from Albany, New York, USA. The reason for me reviewing two releases by Sallow is that they released their first two demos in April 2015; not knowing which to review, I will review both.
The first one is The Great Work, very melodious and full of melancholy, with Cascadian influences. There are wonderful moments in this demo, especially in the first two songs, which shows that the band has good ideas. But these moments remain unfortunately only moments; the demo is mostly set up with mawkish, and in some cases even sickly, melodies. What is perhaps worse is that these melodies are elaborated and prolonged too much, as if they were something brilliant, which is an indicator of immaturity. An example is “Der Winter Kalt”, which is mostly built on a variation of a three notes theme of that I don’t find very enthralling. Needless to say that the production is an underground one, which consequently affects the sound quality. Unimpressive.
The first one is The Great Work, very melodious and full of melancholy, with Cascadian influences. There are wonderful moments in this demo, especially in the first two songs, which shows that the band has good ideas. But these moments remain unfortunately only moments; the demo is mostly set up with mawkish, and in some cases even sickly, melodies. What is perhaps worse is that these melodies are elaborated and prolonged too much, as if they were something brilliant, which is an indicator of immaturity. An example is “Der Winter Kalt”, which is mostly built on a variation of a three notes theme of that I don’t find very enthralling. Needless to say that the production is an underground one, which consequently affects the sound quality. Unimpressive.
The second demo is Corpses & Ruins, consisting of only two but longer songs. Although this demo was released only thirty days after the already reviewed first demo, it seems to be more mature and better thought out, even if the ingredients are roughly the same. If anything, in this demo the American trio manages to avoid the exaggerated mawkishness of the first demo; the sound is also slightly better. One will not find in any case a great deal of originality, but this demo seems to me in any case a good starting point for future achievements. At any rate, Sallow’s Bandcamp player is embedded below, so you can get your own idea. Listen!
Notes:
The Great Work was self-released on April 1 2015 as cassette, 100 copies; Corpses & Ruins was self-released on April 30 2015 as cassette, 100 copies. The digital version of both the demos can be purchased through the Bandcamp players below for 6 dollars each.
Tracklists:
The Great Work
Side A
1. Naked in Moonlit Bliss, Drunk on Fire
2. Awaiting Black Flames
Side B
3. Nocturnal Reprieve
4. Der Winter Kalt
Corpses & Ruins
Side A
1. Ashes Fell to Earth
Side B
2. Offered in Iron Coffers
Personnel:
Pugna: drums
Kotgott, The Cynic: vocals, guitars
Edimmu: guitars, bass
Text by Herjann
herjann@unholyblackmetal.com
Notes:
The Great Work was self-released on April 1 2015 as cassette, 100 copies; Corpses & Ruins was self-released on April 30 2015 as cassette, 100 copies. The digital version of both the demos can be purchased through the Bandcamp players below for 6 dollars each.
Tracklists:
The Great Work
Side A
1. Naked in Moonlit Bliss, Drunk on Fire
2. Awaiting Black Flames
Side B
3. Nocturnal Reprieve
4. Der Winter Kalt
Corpses & Ruins
Side A
1. Ashes Fell to Earth
Side B
2. Offered in Iron Coffers
Personnel:
Pugna: drums
Kotgott, The Cynic: vocals, guitars
Edimmu: guitars, bass
Text by Herjann
herjann@unholyblackmetal.com