Band – Black to Comm
Album – Seven Horses For Seven Kings
Country of Origin – Germany
Genre – Experimental Noise
Release Date – January 25, 2019
Label – Thrill Jockey Records
Author – Hayduke X
I don’t listen to much in the way of noise or experimental electronic music, so let me start off by saying that I’m not sure I’ll have all the words to properly express what this is. Seven Horses For Seven Kings is certainly a compelling listen, so much so that I felt compelled to write about it.
First, let’s start with some facts. Seven Horses For Seven Kings features thirteen tracks ranging from around two minutes to nearly ten. The project is the work of solo artist Marc Richter. The album was recorded in studio where the prolific Richter has access to a full range of tools with which to build his soundscapes.
The important question, of course, is what does it sound like? I’m not entirely certain how to answer that, but I’ll try. Each track is a unique journey, but they all fit into the cohesive whole. Think of each as a separate level of hell perhaps, or maybe a separate day in a dark and dangerous journey. Hell is probably the wrong metaphor, as the music doesn’t strike me as evil. It is incredibly visceral, dark, at times nightmarish, and certainly unsettling, but not malevolently evil. I feel unsettled, nervous, even insignificant as I listen, but the effect is more ominous than threatening.
Using samples, various instruments (from horns to guitars and back), a strange variety of tones, and a vast arsenal of studio manipulation, Black to Comm still manages to steer far clear of sounding inauthentic. On the contrary, it’s as if Richter has reached deeply into your true psyche and directly connected his sonic palette to your nervous system. Seven Horses For Seven Kings is striking. I feel safe in predicting that you will be moved if you attempt the journey. My words do no justice to what the album represents. You’ll just have to listen.
Biography: Hayduke X has been writing for MoshPitNation since June of 2016. Prior to joining the MoshPitNation team, Hayduke published reviews on his own blog Rage and Frustration. In addition, he has DJ’ed an online metal radio show of the same name as his blog, written for TOmetal.com, done interviews for Metal Rules, and collaborated with The Art of B Productions to create video interviews with a wide variety of bands.