Ever since I heard Inter Arma’s album “The Cavern”, I’ve silently been on the search for albums that become so much more and instead become experiences. There’s so much more enjoyment to be had when a record becomes an all around experience. Be it immersive, cinematic, or whatever else you please, we’ve all heard a record like that, and I’ve been patiently waiting for that next journey to come along. Dzö-nga brought that experience to me with their newest album, and it’s quite something to behold.
I’m not quite sure what it is, but the ever expanding mythical realm of atmospheric black metal tends to have these experiences more than any other style, at least in my travels. And Dzö-nga definitely kicks things up a few notches when it comes to ridiculous levels of immersion alongside amazing music that truly grips every piece of your body and soul, and it’s all engrossing as well. That’s what “The Sachem’s Tales” is at its very core, but it’s so much more than that. This piece is a real embodiment of nature itself as it contains gorgeous samples of peaceful nature with birds chirping alongside a flowing creek, and then a piano will cut in to add real flavor, character, and another sense of serenity to the mix that really ties the scene together. But then Dzö-nga embraces the fire and the chaos were we get magnificent growls and terrific works of instruments that are key to metal as a genre, but the band still keeps true to the nature-centric theme of “The Sachem’s Tales” religiously to where the rhythms, the flow of the vocals, the pulse of the drums, and the folklore behind the music come together seamlessly with little strain or error. It’s pulled off spectacularly well and Dzö-nga has hit the nail on the head by creating an album that can truly be called an experience like few others, and it’s the type of thing that it’d be impossible for me to not revisit time and again.
There’s always been an unspoken of elite groups of atmospheric black metal bands throughout the scene. Bands like Saor and Downfall of Nur make this list, and giving a simple listen to their music will give an obvious answer as to why I say that. I feel Dzö-nga has more than proven themselves to be placed among those bands with this record. “The Sachem’s Tales” from top to bottom is a true experience that must be heard, and the spirits of the forest have infused this piece with the power of hypnotism because once you begin listening it’s damn near impossible to rip yourself away from the majesty that you’re beholding.
LISTEN to “The Sachem’s Tales” on Bandcamp here.
LIKE Dzö-nga on Facebook here.
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