The Unknown
The Unknown uses The Vision Bleak's dark sound for a more personal kind of unrest. The German duo retain their deep singing, heavy guitars and theatrical arrangements while placing more emphasis on inner tension than recognisable horror stories. The music remains accessible enough to offer clear melodies. This makes its melancholy inviting as well as imposing.
After the brief Spirits of the Dead, From Wolf to Peacock has plenty of room to develop its mournful guitar melody. A firm rhythm gives the long song something to hold onto. Changes between clean and rough vocals enlarge the emotion without displacing the tune. It is a strong opening, although the development could be slightly shorter.
The Kindred of the Sunset sounds more direct. Its rock-oriented shape gives the album more movement and makes the chorus easy to follow. Into the Unknown then returns to a slower, more sombre approach. Acoustic details and a large refrain prevent the weight from closing everything in. That balance suits the group well.
Tension weakens a little in the middle section. The Whine of the Cemetery Hound and How Deep Lies Tartaros? both allow considerable space for changes between quiet and heavy passages. Their ideas are interesting individually, but placing them together reduces the momentum. The different voices still give the music an identifiable character.
Instrumental Who May Oppose Me? carefully prepares the ending. The Fragrancy of Soil Unearthed then brings the large melodies forward again. Not every extended passage feels necessary, but the strongest pieces use their time convincingly. The Unknown is an atmospheric gothic metal album that handles its theatrical side with conviction. The dark music comes fully alive when simple rhythms and strong vocal lines work together, leaving its elaborate surroundings with a clear purpose.
