Thronum Vrondor - Vrondor II: Conducting the Orchestra of Evil (2009)

Though it's produced some superb bands in the past, Belgium is not quite a 'haven' for breakthrough black metal, at least not so much as other European countries. Alas, Thronum Vrondor, a two-piece effort featuring Vrondor (Paragon Impure, Demonizer, and others) and Crygh, has taken me quite by surprise with this sophomore effort, a grim yet evocative landscape of ghastly black composed with subtle nuance and replay depth.

Conducting the Orchestra of Evil is not the type of album to sink its hooks into you with immediacy. Catchy melodies and gimmicks are nowhere in sight or sound. The strength of this band is their subtle ability to creep up on you, suddenly transforming their textures of carnal woe into unforgettable tracks. "Grief's Abysmal Valley" opens with some brief horror-like synthesizers before breaking into a straightforward blast beat under melancholic, driving guitars, pensive basslines and a bell or two. It's at the one minute mark where it suddenly slams you with this excellent, if reserved guitar rhythm, and you know you've just stumbled across an album of depth and character. "The Summoning" wastes no time driving the point home, a vortex of plucky whirlwind blackness which recalled to me the finer moments of countrymen Enthroned or perhaps Nemesis Divina - era Satyricon. The track also features some plucky melodies which kindle a blues-like sensation. "Evoking the City of Dis" seems to do just as its title would infer, creating circular glorious melodies that summon this metropolis forth from Hell. "Speak the Tongue of Hate" is a slower, sparse track for much of its length, but creates another dystopian sadness within its composition. "Ashes Falling Down" is perhaps the most driving track, but it too slows for an atmospheric interlude. "Where None Remain" is a mellow, haunting outro to the album with some subtle spoken word beneath its ringing, fuzzed out guitars. There is an amazing melody

The band's ability to channel sorrow is executed well through a very base production, not quite 'raw' or painful to behold but certainly stripped of any excess flourish. The result is a journey worth the time to travel, an album that will possess the listener through multiple spins. Very much recommended.

Verdict: Win [8.5/10]

http://www.myspace.com/thronumvrondor