As with Griseus, it’s not enough to describe Bellum I as symphonic black metal. It is one of the most harmonious unions of aesthetically disparate genres that I’ve heard; a union of moody black metal and transcendental classical. There is as much pure classical music here as there is black metal, though the two are frequently brazenly, often subtly, inter-woven to mesmerizing effect. This is not black metal beefing up its key melodies with an orchestra; these are compositions of the classical sort, which just happen to also wrap up heavy music. The record also generally eschews the bombastic excess of most others blending its two core genres. While there are plenty of cacophonous, intense moments, Rosenqvist’s songwriting and compositional skills feel much more restrained and deliberate. The pieces here are thoughtfully and precisely arranged, belying talent that goes further than simple melodies and harmonies.
I won’t pretend to be remotely knowledgeable about classical music, but what I can say is that there is an incredible range of classical instruments used here. However, none are discordant, overwrought or intrusive. The piano occupies a position of special importance, as some of the most moving passages involve a piano with little or no other instrumentation. The deep orchestral arrangements result in an incredibly rich experience. It’s rich with instruments, rich with atmosphere, and rich with production values. And this richness results in immersion. Bellum I dominates your whole attention and forces you into its world. In this way it’s cinematic. Not cinematic because it sounds like a film score (although it does); rather, it’s akin to sitting in a theater with a vast screen in front and surround sound around. When the music floats, you fly alongside. When it gets heavy, you’re crushed. Even in the quieter passages, it has a menacing, oppressive edge. Lots of records are described as “atmospheric” but few reach the platonic ideal of this word so closely.
Across his two albums, Aquilus has successfully bridged realms in a way that they have not been bridged before1. In a metal scene that frequently struggles with innovation, this alone stands him apart. But Bellum I is absolutely stunning as a musical piece in its own right, and does not simply ride the coattails of freshness without bringing its own quality. Those looking for beer metal can keep looking.2 Those looking for music-induced transfixion can hardly find anything more beautiful or engaging3.
Tracks to check out: This album doesn’t really work that way…
