The Deepening is Vemod's first full-length album in twelve years. I cannot even begin to express just how much I have anticipated this release. Their 2012 debut, Venter pa stormene, is one of the most magical black metal albums I've ever heard. Every time I listen to it, I feel like I'm transported to a mystical land of endless auroras. After listening to this long-awaited offering, I am glad to say that it lives up to the hype.
The musical formula has remained mostly the same, but the production is bolder and the instrumental work has become more complex. The minimalist blast beats have a somewhat distant, shrouded quality, as if they're concealed in a snowstorm. It is reminiscent of bands like Branikald. These patterns are frequently broken up by great fills, and there are also moments when they play contemplative slow-paced rhythms. Thanks to the polished production, the bass can be heard extremely well, and they use that opportunity to play pleasing riffs.
The vocals primarily consist of a dry croak. They're nice, but what truly amazed me were the clean vocals. They reminded me of Austere and gave the music a profound sense of beauty. The guitars are just as fantastic. The tremolo riffs create a cold yet compelling atmosphere that makes you feel like you're staring out into the northern oceans. Played atop these are chord progressions that make the music more nuanced. Sometimes they play marvelous melodic leads, most notably on the second track. They also include post rock passages that give an airy and dreamlike quality to the music. The fifth track is the most prominent example of this.
The title track is my favorite. The band clearly saved the best song for last. Clean vocals are performed atop steady blast beats, vibrant tremolo riffs, and exquisite bass. It's the longest track on the album, but it never gets boring or repetitive. Every part has its purpose. Every section perfectly transitions to the next. It keeps you gripped from the first second all the way to the end.
There is no doubt in my mind that The Deepening is one of the best metal albums of 2024. Every minute of it is marvelous. It is clear that Vemod took the time to truly put their heart and soul into the music, and the end result is incredible.