On their second full album Mgła continue refining their craft, offering what is easily the best 'orthodox' black metal record of the last several months. Is With Hearts Toward None the band's magnum opus? Only time will tell but one can shiver at the thought that this is only a sign of what is to come in the future and not their crowning achievement. As always, Mgła number the album's tracks instead of naming them, not allowing the listener to view their creation as a mere collection of songs...and they have every right to do so. Every Mgła record is a holistic experience that cannot be separated in its individual features. One could comment the spiraling guitar riffs, the inhuman shamanic drum performance, the coldhearted, intelligent and almost calculated execution of their material that is at the same time passionate and full of absolute satanic devotion. Yet too much words wont do justice to this record. Mgła rely on the sheer power of their work and belief without need for too much talking, even with no need for any extravagant or fancy artwork.
'Have ye courage, o my brethren?' If yes, then respond to the band's challenge and you will not lose.
On the other hand Burzum's new record is a test for the listener's nerves. After the excellent Fallen, this one is by far the worst record by Vikernes. Too much talking, spoken word and laughable singing, no inspiration, no intelligence whatsoever consist the man's creative nadir. Once more his lyrical concerns are of absolutely no interest and irrelevant but this time his music is surprisingly boring, to the point that it is more effective than any sleeping pill you can find. On top of all these come his hilarious promotional photographs. This whole case doesn't deserve more words. I assume that even the average imbecile would have something more constructive to do than give a second chance to that record.
