EP Review: Claws of Moriis - The Night Is So Lovely
Claws of Moriis: The Night Is So Lovely EP
There’s nothing quite like reviewing a year old EP! That’s why we at the dilapidated Heavy Metal Citadel thought we’d do a dive back in time! I only recently discovered this so prepare to descend into the chamber of raw dungeon black metal with the debut EP from Russia’s Raw Dungeon Metal, one-man project: Claws of Moriis. with bands like Grima, Путь (Put), Мор (Mor), Walknut and others, Russia is something of a gem for underrated and undiscovered black metal, (probably all those sanctions). But what could be more conducive to Raw Dungeon Black Metal then the desolate landscape of Siberia mid-winter?
It wasn’t too long ago when I discovered the spooky cover of The Night is So Lovely. First off the album cover is a perfect encapsulation of Dungeon Black Metal, as the disintegrating fidelity border opens, revealing a lurid pink canvas adorned with a howling monochromatic figure, who on Metal Archives is only known as M (maybe short for Moriis? Who knows). And the logo is pretty epic; a clawed hand with a spiked wristband creepily morphing into the barely recognisable text of “Claws of Moriis”.
Diving straight into the six-track EP, I was intrigued. This one-man band takes us on a feral journey through the murkiest realms of black metal, leaving no eardrum unscathed. I couldn’t tell you what Claws of Moriis raps about as I couldn’t understand a single word of it, nor could I find some echos of the themes he covers, but I imagine it’s probably pretty dark. From the very first track, "Worse Than Hell," Claws of Moriis unveils his sepulchral incantations with a fervour that defies sanity. The delirious onslaught continues with "Levitate," as if we are being lifted into the very depths of blackened oblivion. Claws of Moriis mastery of creating an atmosphere that drips with darkness is apparent in "The Phenomenon of Godly Stress" where the weight of existential dread manifests in musical form. But all throughout the album there is a peppering of dungeon synth tones that work brilliantly, making me feel like a hobgoblin of sorts, moving around in the shadows of The Citadel.
But wait, there's more! Claws of Moriis takes us on a nostalgic detour with a Darkthrone cover. "Over Fjell Og Gjennom Torner" pays homage to the old school influences that lurk within the shadows of this EP, and it’s almost all shadows on this EP. It's a brutal reminder of the roots from which this Raw Dungeon Black Metal entity emerged.
As we approach the title track, "The Night Is So Lovely" the atmosphere thickens with haunting melodies and chilling whispers. It's as if the night itself has come alive, revealing its true beauty amidst the darkness. Claws of Moriis demonstrates a command of his craft, seamlessly shifting between relentless aggression and moments of eerie introspection. But if you’re thinking this is some overly produced polished sound…you’re wrong. It stays true to the gritty, harsh, lo-fi roots and minimalist structure.
But the journey doesn't end there. "Claws of Moriis Magicka Part I" serves as a haunting conclusion, leaving us yearning for more from this enigmatic entity. Arguably my favourite track it mixes in the lo-fi production with vocals so harsh and raspy I think I feel like I’m getting laryngitis.
"The Night Is So Lovely" is a hauntingly ferocious discovery! Claws of Moriis has crafted an EP that embraces the darkness, summoning the very essence of the genre. It's a descent into madness, fuelled by blistering riffs, thunderous drums, and vocals that claw their way into your soul.
If you're seeking a black metal experience that blurs the boundaries of sanity and delivers aural punishment with a twisted sense of humour, look no further than Claws of Moriis. For those of you who love Mortiis, Darkthrone, with the creativity of sound of Ceremonial Castings, you’ll love this. Join the kvlt and immerse yourself in the blackened embrace of "The Night Is So Lovely".
Written by: Chort the Crop Infestor
“Hi, I’m Chort I infest crops and listen to Black Metal. I’ve currently invested most of my life savings into tracking down the REAL Nattramn and telling him how much I love his voice.”
