53. Gaerea - 'Limbo'

Portuguese Black Metal that further pushes the boundaries of the genre. There is no denying that “Limbo” is an intense and, at times, impenetrable album. Having said that, there is an expansive and almost anthemically joyous sound to be found across the six tracks. The guitars pulsate in exuberant jubilation, distorted but ultimately uplifting. The tracks build and build and then drop into quiet introspection. The overall feeling of darkness and menace that is Black Metal’s calling card is still present, but it is offset by an almost transcendental cacophony of positivity. The whole effect is hypnotic and seductive, drawing the listener further and further into the maelstrom of noise. Not an easy album, but one that stays with you longer after it has finished.