Tanin’iver – Dark Evils Desecrate Review

Like many, I am a little burnt out by the end of a year. Frantic work, life, and personal matters collide, while we scramble to listen to a bunch of cool shit we missed, as well as consolidating final lists. I often spend the early stages of a new year basking in old favorites and bingeing on particular bands or genres. Blackened choices have darkened recent listening, and though my enjoyment of black metal is not hugely reflected in my regular review projects, my complicated relationship with the genre continues to bubble away. I have been stoked to revisit some genre classics, as well as modern marvels such as Hyperion’s Seraphical Euphony and Mistur’s In Memoriam, plus a shitload of Borknagar and Ihsahn. It’s inspired me to be a little more adventurous with my promo picks in 2024 and perhaps include more black metal acts, or at least those with a blackened bent. We’ll see if that lasts. Kicking off 2024 I was slung a promo from Aussie underground toilers Tanin’iver, the project of Steve Lillywhite, unleashing their fourth opus of raw fiery blackened death, entitled Dark Evils Desecrate.

Immersing myself in the twisted, feral cauldron of Dark Evils Desecrate and its relentless assault, Tanin’iver appear hellbent on writing the most ugly, evil, and uncompromising anthems as possible to soundtrack a fiery apocalypse. Bells, whistles, and gimmicks are jettisoned for an old school underground sound converging in the dankest underground corners where raw black metal brawls with death and thrash influences. Lillywhite handles guitars, vocals and sampling duties, while Liam Mohor wields lead guitar and bass. Drums I assume are programmed, based on the lack of information or credits to an individual. The duo pound and hammer their way through nine grimy, gnawing tunes that lack subtlety, instead basking in the catharsis of cyclonic chaos and belligerent, nasty aggression. It’s the kind of unfiltered, cutthroat album with the range to appeal to listeners that crave grim second-wave hammerings of the likes Mayhem and ilk, to fans of underground blackened death warriors Belphegor. The acidic, groovier moments vaguely recall Mantar on occasion.

Opener “Another World’s Hell” sets the nasty, pitch-black tone of the album with sledgehammer force, Lillywhite’s snarling, acidic screams and howls oozing anguish and seething hate as rapid-fire percussion, galloping charges and icy aggression dominate proceedings. A killer, riffy slower segment adds a sick, groovy bent to the tune’s otherwise savage assault. Tanin’iver’s songwriting does not always grip, however, there are moments of real bite and grim swagger. “Freedom is Never Here” effectively channels a thick, moody stomp, before slinging intense bursts of barreling speed and wall of sound heft. This willingness to temper violent, speed-driven black metal with versatile shifts in tempo and groove land the most telling blows. ‘Drowning on Dry Land” relies on a potent mix of relentless speed, anthemic vocal hooks, and insidious groove, while closer “So was Red” is the most righteously grooving, riffy beast on the album.

Dark Evils Desecrate is rarely dull, however, certain factors drag it down a few pegs as a complete package. Lillywhite’s vocals are deliciously wicked and venomous, yet tend to overbear in the mix, the drums lack character, while the dueling axework is solid though intermittently engaging. Perhaps a more telling blow to the album’s promising fortunes is the songwriting struggles to gain consistent traction and lasting memorability. Several songs overstay their welcome, or leave little lasting impressions, weakening some otherwise solid ideas and highlighting the handful of successfully developed and crafted offerings. It’s a shame, as there are moments of solid quality and charm on display, and nothing to actively dislike, but inconsistently engaging writing and slivers of monotony hamper proceedings.

Dark Evils Desecrate lands some killer blows and takes some nasty turns, with its predominant second wave, underground blackened fury tastefully spiced with death, thrash and doom elements, complete with an appealingly harsh, mean-spirited streak. And throughout the album there are perk up and notice moments of headbangable fun to be had. The moody, sinister melodies, blasty, speed-laced attack and grim atmosphere feature favorable elements that unfortunately do not quite translate into a fully fleshed, consistent listen. Still, Tanin’iver is a passionate, underdog act that is worth a listen. Here’s hoping for more consistent, satisfying returns next time around.

Rating: 2.5/5.0
DR: 7 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Label: Morning Star Heresy
Websites: taniniver.bandcamp.com | facebook.com/TaniniverOfficial
Releases Worldwide: January 25th, 2024