Rene Black can often be found out and about on the Auckland scene, either playing in the premier NZ Sabbath tribute band {After Forever}, or just supporting other bands and enjoying the vibe. We regularly bump into each other at our favourite dive, Ding Dong Lounge, but whereas that is a relatively new place for me, Rene has been on the circuit for years as he was also drummer of both {His Masters Voice} and {Cripple Mr. Onion} (I really wish I had seen this band, as I remember watching a video of theirs years ago and being blown away). Rene has serious metal credentials in different genres, but anyone expecting the same bombast will be very surprised indeed.
A while ago I reviewed the single The Dead of the Night, and I said how it was hugely atmospheric, and that it was as if Alabama 3 and Black Sabbath had combined to create an acoustic deathly gothic doom-laden number. The strange beauty of Alabama 3 is even more to the fore when one listens to the whole album as we get clips taken from films, sound effects, and one never knows where we are going to be taken, except it is a journey we all need to travel. In these days where music is often plastic and regurgitated so it all sounds the same, it is rare to come across something which is unique and being created by someone who felt compelled to produce something which is far removed from any commercial considerations. This is nothing like the music he plays in his bands, yet there is a depth and passion within which is magical. This is all about the space, and in many ways, it feels more like a collage than a single musical entity as it is the bits and pieces and different approaches which makes this what it is.
There is no rush, no desire to work to any formula apart from what Rene has in his head, as he takes us into the dark and twisted gnarly forest of his mind, yet instead of being frightened we feel welcome and safe. It is dark, fragile yet with an inner strength, and so far removed from the plasticity throwaway nature of modern pop as to be from a different planet. Take She’s a Witch for example, the main musical section of the song contains only a basic drum pattern, slow piano chords and vocals, yet there is something haunting about this, emphasised by Psycho strings and a film clip at the beginning. Grinning In Your Face is convict-style blues originally recorded by Son House, with passionate lead vocals, chains, and so much pain.
Rene is also a well-known tattooist, and he has taken his love of imagery and captured it in an audio form. He describes this as “Dark, experimental soundscape of insanity. Loss, death, and re-birth,” and he has made this available free of charge through Bandcamp. For him this has never been about any sort of commercial return, but rather this was something he had to do, for which we should all be very grateful indeed as for those who enjoy their music to be somewhat more sedate with a hidden menace will find much in this.
Rating: 8/10
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