Oh boy, here I go reviewing symphonic black metal — a genre I have a very little experience with. I do know acts like Fleshgod Apocalypse and Septicflesh, but that is basically it. When it comes to bombastic black metal, I am more a meloblack stan, than a symphoblack admirer.
Belnejoum‘s Dark Tales of Zarathustra attempts a foray into symphonic black metal with an international line-up of seasoned musicians. The album’s introduction effectively establishes an atmosphere, hinting at the musical direction. However, the promise of the intro quickly dissolves as the record progresses.
The production choices hinder the album significantly. The drums possess little impact, sounding flat and buried within the mix. Which is both sad and annoying, because George Kollias should know better. This lack of rhythmic punch detracts from any potential power the music might hold. Furthermore, the overall mix feels cluttered; layers of synths, orchestral elements, and occasional chants constantly vie for sonic space, creating a muddled listening experience rather than a cohesive whole. Amidst this sonic battle, the lead vocals emerge as particularly jarring, delivering a grating performance that fails to enhance the music.
The album incorporates a wide range of symphonic elements, including strings and bombastic keyboard arrangements, alongside less conventional vocalizations. Yet, these components often feel haphazardly applied, creating an atmosphere that leans more towards theatrical kitsch than genuine darkness. There are a couple of piano interludes throughout the album, and they add exactly zero value to the finished product.
Stripping away the symphonic veneer reveals a core that struggles to stand on its own, perhaps even paling in comparison to more straightforward black metal acts. While the guitar work occasionally provides glimpses of competence, these moments struggle to surface amidst the disjointed song structures. Tracks often feel like collections of disparate ideas loosely stitched together, lacking a sense of flow or purpose. Ultimately, Dark Tales of Zarathustra fails to conjure any real sense of urgency, mystery, or creeping dread. The symphonic elements feel like a facade over music that lacks foundational strength and emotional resonance.
