Moloch — Ein Düsterer Winter Kommt

With 68 releases since his beginning in 2002 Moloch (one man band of Ukraines’ Pr. Sergiy) is productive to say the least!  Within those releases finds music in the Dark Ambient/raw Black Metal vein.  On his two-song EP “Ein Dusterer Winter Kommt”, that’s German for “a dismal winter is coming”, we find that afore mentioned influence, plus a healthy dose of depressive Black Metal a la  Xasthur and Forgotten Tomb.

Two songs is not an easy thing to dissect.  Too short or too complex and the whole thing becomes a wasted exercise.  Lucky for us Moloch is able to present his thoughts and sounds in a short albeit fresh package. 

To begin, it does sound a bit in the shoe gazer/sludge variety.  Bands like Alcest, Melvins and Burzum came to mind; but what an interesting mix it makes.  The music is emotional and achingly so; with harsh, noisy distorted guitars combined with excellent drumming.  The vocals are a blend of spoken word and painful rasps, producing a sorrowful tone.  While it leans heavy on the Black Metal inspiration; it also feels a bit psychedelic in its use of reverb and attentive utilization of keyboards.

It might only be a taste of Moloch, but it’s one that is disarmingly addictive.  With so many releases it may be a crap shoot as to what is quality in the collection.  With the talent he displays here the odds certainly are good.