Dark Tribe — Archaic Visions

Archaic Visions is Dark Tribes’ 2010 release from Black Hate Productions.  Formed in 1997, this is the bands third full length release.  Dark Tribe, who are manned by Asordis and Paranoth accordingly, has been previously (and still) labeled under the Black Metal (or in their own words “insane black metal”) moniker, but on Archaic Visions we find a depressive bent too.

One element that stands out on every song is the musicianship.  This is a band that plays tight.  No sloppy chords or muddled production.  The guitar riffs are razor sharp, drums are thunderous and time changes precise.  Added to that are vocals that drift from deep and growling to an unbelievably unnerving scream.  The songs themselves are familiar in an obscure way.  They sound (and feel) like you’ve heard them before sort of like a strange folk song, the melodies and rhythms stay in your conscious.

While some may find the band veering somewhat from earlier releases, at least in intensity, the roots and vision are still there.  Songs like “When Fear Turns Into Hate”, Children of Forgotten Times”, “Desperation” and “Die Sauenjad Ihrer Majestat” show the diversity of Dark Tribe.  Is it the “insane black metal” that punctuated previous material, yes and no; but give the band credit for exploring and expanding their repertoire.