The Flashcards: Bál / Winter's Breath

The Flashcards: Bál / Winter's Breath - Two Worlds (2021)

75/100

I honestly don't know which bands to compare these two to just yet, but Bál certainly doesn't pull any punches in their performance. This Hungarian one-man band charges forward with sheer abrasiveness on "Nem Látok", while "Tátogok" switches things up with vocals that sound like a whimpering whine from 01:47-02:25 and a starved or drunken voice from 05:50-06:41. There are no memorable atmospheres or melodies here, save for the constant guitar hum cutting through the roar of each track. It feels a bit too extreme for post-black metal fans who still look for emotional dynamics.

Then, on the flip side, we have Winter's Breath from Austria. The flow of rain and damp air provides a stark contrast to Bál. The harsh vocals are delivered like a demonic whisper rather than just a raspy shriek, and they even utilize a touch of clean vocals from 03:18-03:28 on "Cursed". Naturally, this feels much more alive to my ears.

Overall, however, these two distinct characters successfully showcase two entirely different worlds. One is harsh, sadistic, and relentless, while the other is cold, seemingly sentient, and capable of tormenting you within a veiled rhythm.

Tracklist:

1. Bál - Nem Látok

2. Bál - Tátogok

3. Winter's Breath - Cursed

4. Winter's Breath - Hunter

Comments

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