Mgła – With Hearts Toward None LP
Outstanding. THIS is the album I was hoping for 3-4 years ago when Groza came out. I gave that album several chances but it's always been a disappointment; after some amazing EPs, they went and changed style and released a bloodless debut. When With Hearts Toward None was announced I was curious, as I'm still a huge fan of all the stuff before Groza, and when the song sample was made available my interest really shot up. I knew this album would be good, but ohhhh goddamn it's fucking incredible! These songs just hammer away with that same feverish & ecstatic delivery/tempo that's present in the pre-Groza material. This guy is a master at creating a certain frantic, euphoric feeling where if feels as if things are right at the breaking point, but then holds that sensation and draws it out over the course of the song. The guitarwork here is really impressive, the weaving of riffs in certain spots is so good that I got goosebumps and it's been a while since I've had that feeling while listening to music. It's been quite a few years since a new black metal release got me this excited. I mean, the 12" mLP and two 7"s are great and I hold them in high regard, but this album is on another level.
