Last time we checked in on Vorga, they adopted a greater focus on melody and atmosphere than exhibited on early EP’s, and to great effect. Combing the great expanse using tools similar to those of Mare Cognitum, Hoth, and Imperialist, the fledgling explorers carved out a distinctive voice and crafted some of the most engaging new melodic black metal I had the pleasure of reviewing during my tenure at AMG. After two years, Beyond the Palest Star offers more contemplative material to offset surges of adrenaline, evoking a greater sense of ebb and flow than before. While this does soften some of their new material more than many might want or expect, choosing this methodology imparts the faster and more fervent passages greater impact. Indeed, there’s part of me that initially pined for the consistent rush of Striving Towards Oblivion’s enthusiastic riffs and inspirational melodies. Yet, with time, I’ve come to appreciate Beyond the Palest Star’s more restrained and observant character.
Unlike previous outings, Beyond the Palest Star takes a moment to get going. As opener “Voideath” leans on atmospheric and gentler melodic elements to nudge the record carefully forward, the more energetic double-bass-led “The Sophist” ignites, propelling listeners with a sense of urgency felt as much as heard. Using its six-and-a-half minutes to evoke a deliberately extended chase through perilous deep-space worlds, “The Sophist” naturally justifies follow-up “Magical Thinking” taking the time to observe a new sector—beautifully blooming and creatively layered melodies coalescing against a backdrop of delicate sci-fi synth effects—with eager eyes. While the song isn’t especially immediate and won’t find many friends amongst those hordes of riff-fiends populating the metalverse, it is undoubtedly affecting and worthy of appreciation. The respite from unrestrained velocity it affords, in turn, maximizes the cratering impact of album highlight “The Cataclysm.” A violent, riff-focused piece with a shorter runtime, this number blasts off into hyperspace so powerfully when put in such proximity with “Magical Thinking” that I can’t help but feel my skin peel against mighty gravitational forces. Consequently, the second half of the record gains the necessary context to warp and intertwine ominous atmosphere with action-packed guitar work until the journey’s inevitable conclusion. That brings us to closer “Terminal,” which deals the album’s chunkiest riffs and weariest melodies in concert to conjure a final rest point after what was undoubtedly an equally taxing and awe-inspiring journey.
Ultimately, the way Beyond the Palest Star tells its story marks Vorga’s greatest strength. Beyond musical ability and taste level in style, Vorga’s main accomplishment on Beyond the Palest Star is album arrangement and pacing. Smart packaging decisions and brilliant composing form a dynamic, richly textured experience that doesn’t offer the immediacy of past works, but rather exhibits a compelling depth and maturity that belies the band’s youth. It’s a crying shame, then, that this record’s production represents a massive downgrade from previous works. Crushed, cluttered, and noisy, Beyond the Palest Star begs desperately for the clarity and breathing room of the last record. Especially considering Vorga’s gorgeous application of melody and atmosphere, I expect them to prioritize mixing and mastering choices that complement and support the immersive soundscapes they create. This production, sadly, works strongly against that goal.
Beyond the Palest Star is musically on par with the standard Vorga set for themselves two years ago, but listening to it presents a greater physical challenge. Such conflicts made Vorga’s sophomore LP more difficult to grade than I would’ve liked. At the end of the day, it’s the record’s unsuitable loudness that brought my score down from what I wanted to award. Nonetheless, Beyond the Palest Star is another compelling entry in Vorga’s annals of final frontier black metal, and I highly recommend giving it a whirl.
Rating: Very Good!
DR: 51 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Label: Transcending Obscurity Records
Websites: facebook.com/vorgaband | vorgaband.bandcamp.com
Releases Worldwide: March 29th, 2024
