If I can find a CD that sounds interesting even to the slightest degree, consider me sold. So when I heard this Conspiracy scheme wasn't a genetic copy of what many one-man black metal bands offer, I decided to experiment with "Concordat." It sounds interesting on paper: a marriage between black metal and traditional metal. A calculated risk, but Conspiracy is far from your usual Xasthur sequel. In essence, "Concordat" is probably the most unique (and enjoyable) black metal record I've heard in a considerable amount of time. The brainchild of Carpathian Wolf (or formerly Al' Hazred of Melechesh) packs a devastating punch with its centennial arsenal of melody, brutality, violence, hate, and creativity during the entrenched style of blackened heavy metal that "Concordat" wonderfully displays. Essentially, Conspiracy is not just another one-man black metal project; it's a genius initiative that transcends genres and still manages to pound your skull into dust.I guess the term "blackened heavy metal" could apply, because essentially that's what "Concordat" presents from an amalgam of shared traits: melodic and harsh tremolo riffs, catchy choruses, blazing solos, crutching melodies, slaughtering vocal rasps, and simple structuring that emits a fancy sense of regularity and addictiveness. The percussion is actually fairly chaotic and complicated during hasty tracks yet dangerously effective at creating a pounding atmosphere like on the instrumental "Last Veteran" as well; it's an all-purpose weapon that the Wolf utilizes like a pro. There are several tempos changes per songs between mauling tremolo riffs and Motφrhead-influenced choruses that grace "Die in Style" for example so even the easily distracted can cherish the accelerated hooks. All in all, the overall result is an absolutely stellar juxtaposition that "Concordat" finds, murders, and dismembers for your violent fetish of metallic mayhem.
It is interesting though, because the focus of "Concordat" undergoes an idiosyncratic unification process that imprints a new blueprint per song that vehemently alters the record's flow. Some pieces are absolutely ripping, some atmospheric, and maybe a little experimental, but incredibly satisfying nonetheless. Every track, although somewhat similar, morphs into a new structure: tracks like "Courage" will remind you of Bathory, or "Last Veteran," which approaches atmosphere above all else; it's a variety-packed release at the end of the day. "Die in Style" is definitely my favorite song from "Concordat" due to its ambitious junction between heavy metal and black metal that gracefully portrays the ultimate direction of Conspiracy's current objective. Another stint of prime brilliance, however, is captured at its climax during the folk epic "Faith," which chills the album's burning frontier and truly obtains the creativity and craftiness of Conspiracy's demeanor through excellent instrumentation and multiple layers of intricate, brilliant craftsmanship.
I've heard little tidbits of black metal and traditional heavy metal crossing paths being perhaps a legitimate sound that could emit a considerable amount of content, but I've never heard anything that would actually give the identity a concrete, firm texture other than Conspiracy's "Concordat." Discovering a sound like such is an interesting experience, but also a fantastic one, because Conspiracy's approach toward the unknown abyss is a wonderful journey of metallic ecstasy. This style not only contributes to artistic accomplishment, but the fundamental achievement of crafting something above and beyond limitations of what is and is not acceptable in black metal. It isn't easy being brave and bold, yet "Concordat" easily takes flight into the aerodynamic skies of black metal coated with a different tint of darkness while maintaining these golden characteristics. Two thumbs way, way up.