ENTERRÉ VIVANT - Kurogoku

The start is immediate in “Gakidō”, a ghostly gaze through the veil into unreality. Delicate wind instruments and ethereal keys break up the harrowing, soul-grasping vocals and beautiful layers from guest vocalist Uguisu. “Ningendō” is otherworldly, opening on chants that almost vibrate between layers and inspire a trance-like state that locks one into the human realm. “Tendō” feels very traditional, yet overlapped with French spoken word in an enigmatic, melancholic kind of interlude, layered by heavenly voices until the riffs kick in near the halfway mark.

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It is truly a unique track list. “Chikushōdō” represents the animal realm and is displayed in its more guttural howls and growls. Erroiak and Sakrifiss weave complex concepts and soundscapes together, feeling less like a wall of noise and something incredibly deliberate with precious moments of serenity placed between the riffs and voices. Throughout each track there is a common sound meshing each part together, keeping strong to its theme of all being connected. 

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“Jigokudō” is the flames among the dark, portrayed in the chaos of this particular track, vivid and haunting yet full of beauty – a perfect polarity. Ending track “Shuradō” ties everything together, coming full circle. Overall, the album takes a beautiful concept and weaves something of its own.

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Kurogoku transcends in its genre with its mysterious echoes and layered instruments, evoking a stage of enlightenment unlike this world, intriguing to comprehend. It will take your hand and guide you through the journeys of each cycle, if given the space to meditate upon. It is difficult to compare, cementing its unique, surreal qualities in the libraries of black metal. 

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SCORE 9/10

Reviewed by GhostinthearmouR