Review by Alex on September 5, 2020.

Vermisst's first fuller length record, Zmierzch Stalowej Ciemności, sits somewhere between raw, ambient and synth-driven black metal. Their style is predominantly synth driven but if you removed the keyboards you'd end up with a fairly unpolished, abrasive form of black metal. Quite a few Polish bands have been clinging to the dungeon synth inspired form of black metal that has been garnering some amount of praise by supporters that miss the old and austere sound of the era, hence Vermisst may find much appreciation from this group. Zmierzch Stalowej Ciemności possesses that old dimming candle, moonlit beauty, but also seems to pay homage to the exclusively raw conduct of the mid-90s.

Zmierzch Stalowej Ciemności has relatively lengthy tracks with most clocking in at around 5 minutes or more. However, this record really flies by quickly which seems to be result of the fluent incorporation of the keyboard synth, trance-like pacing and the crafty songwriting. Together they play on the listeners sense of time as you're rarely ever distracted from the sublime gaze in effect. 'Zmierzch Stalowej Ciemności' sets the foundation for the rest of tracks to follow (that utilize keyboards), it has a strong sense of rhythmic direction and the vocals take advantage of that with supporting emotion to fortify it's content. Most tracks follow this example with stern commitment to outdo, thus a very melancholic powerhouse is birthed in the form of 'W Pozagrobowej Przestrzeni' that bundles the serene tempo and milieu of the music with the violent and raging vocal wails.

Following the blissful ambient piece 'Det Skjulte', we are greeted by a contrast, a shift in tonality that sees Vermisst focus on a more primal side of black metal the likes of early Darkthrone. The synth is stripped away entirely, and a less decorated hand is put to work. I would have preferred consistency with regards to the instrumentation, thus keeping the keyboards an active element as it would have given the album a greater composite felling. Either way, the songs are plausible due to how effectively they are able to convey a somewhat semi lo-fi raw black metal temperature. 'Frozen Flames of Misanthropy' through to the final track 'Zimowa Aura Krwawych Cieni' displays a rather competent rendition of early raw black metal that I think most enthusiasts of the subgenre will enjoy. The peaking macaw-esque vocals add an inhuman property to the music whilst the sharp riffing and palpating drumming creates a showy weaving of opposing frequencies. The artwork is very good and the production on both raw and synth ends are commendable. Hence, Zmierzch Stalowej Ciemności is a solid record that captures a certain magic of early 90s black metal under one starlit sky.

Rating: 8.2 out of 10

Review by Felix on November 6, 2019.

Austria is a very nice country in the heart of Europe with impressive mountains, beautiful lakes and, last but not least, excellent food. Nevertheless, some of its inhabitants seem to have a depressive attitude. Kringa's work reflects this state of mind. Misanthropy and aggression are further feelings that the musicians know very well. Be that as it may, Through the Flesh of Ethereal Wombs has been created by an ambitious band. Even though not everything is working yet, the musicians do not lack of potential and self-confidence.

"Pearly Gates, Abhorrent Ascent" is the most convincing example of Kringa's art. It seems that the band has borrowed the atmosphere of Pest's ultimate journey to death ("Dauðafærð"). Especially the surreal, fragile and bizarre guitar line at the beginning can cause goose bumps. The following stoic leads also remind me of the fatalistic approach of Pest's masterpiece and the accusing vocals complement the slow-moving guitars brilliantly. As soon as the guys accelerate the tempo, the lead singer delivers a more hysterical approach. That's no coincidence - the entire song shows a high number of changes. Fast parts occur, slightly sick "ohoohooho" gang vocals leave their traces and intelligently constructed breaks make this tune to an exciting experience from the beginning to the end. Indeed, this piece has a dark and depressive touch, but it does not lack of harshness as well. This is the kind of depression that I appreciate.

Unfortunately, one of the three songs are not flawlessly designed. The second track of the B side begins strong, but it suffers from a break at 3:30 that destroys its force immediately. It gets even worse. The following sequence delivers powerless, pretty boring guitars that want to find a place on the next (irrelevant) suicidal black metal album. The wailing lead singer seems to be full of negative feelings and to listen to his weltschmerz is anything but delightful. Finally, we have "Vibrant Walls", the longest of three excessive tracks. It presents the entire spectrum of bitterness, pain and sorrow. Brutal fragments and ponderous mid-tempo parts characterize the coherent song. Some of the fast sequences reveal that the snare drum has to struggle in order to be heard. Yet all in all, the sound of this 10" does not give reason for complaint.

Kringa have released a good, non-commercial EP which is crammed with profound, passionate, rather unorthodox black metal. I do not know why Austrians play exactly this extremely painful kind of metal in view of the beauty of their home country. However, I do not intend to solve this matter. The crucial thing is that the pulsating underground is full of interesting formations. Kringa is one of them.

Rating: 7.3 out of 10