“Thatcherite neoliberalism and the slow-burning disaster.“
With the loss of Dawn Ray’d this year, the UK black metal scene can no longer be taken for granted. Underdark are still on the periphery of many radars, but are ready to keep the fires of antifascist black metal burning. They have seven years of live experience, and have shared stages with much of the weird blackened metal underground (The Infernal Sea, Svalbard, Wallowing, and Conjurer, to name just a few). Managed Decline is their second record, both of which have come post-pandemic as they’ve intensified their activity.
Underdark establish themselves as a talented band with the album’s first ten minutes. Things open gracefully with soft brass (“The Past We Inherit, The Future We Build (28th February 1972)”) into the first proper track, “Managed Decline I (1st April 1998)”. You’ll wait two minutes for the first blast beats as Underdark initially masquerades as a doom band. Aside from trem picking, there are also crunchy and satisfying riffs weaved in between. Once the track establishes its momentum, its bridge brings a very 90s black metal riff with a whiff of Scandinavian-Viking energy. This turns into a more typical gaze part with delayed leads in a very effective transition. A suspenseful quiet passage then follows, with harmonics glistening over crackling bass and anguished vocals. The inevitable return to intensity embraces a slow tempo with those delayed leads from the bridge. These parts segue and progress naturally demonstrating Underdark’s new level of songcraft.
“Employment (16th June 1993)” takes after Svalbard with its wash of guitars and triumphant energy, incorporating more of that Norwegian riffwork in its mid-sections. “Matrimony (27th December 1997)” doesn’t really hook me in its first half, but the second half is astral and fiery, as required to close out side one. Amidst its soaring guitars, a surprise comes when they choose to finish on a simple groove. I always appreciate an interlude for a break from the intensity, and “Raised For A World That No Longer Exists” is a particularly pretty one, with sparkly guitars that make you forget you’re listening to extreme metal.
“Enterprise (1st November 2004)” is the most brutal track, discarding the peace of the interlude for almost wall to wall blast beats and vocals most unhinged. “Managed Decline II (2nd November 2004)” follows and is the powerful finish the record deserves. As it aims most directly for that uplifting black metal sound, it doesn’t tread much new ground, but it remains my favourite from the album. When it turns up its speed at 1:30, the riff is an absolute belter that isn’t overused. Pausing for a bit of chugging, the tempo remains until the intricate clean segment comes to land in the middle. The record ends as it began, at a slow tempo with swelling guitars and tortured vocals.
The production has made a big leap on Managed Decline, Underdark have opted for an authentic in-the-room sound, resisting reverb, layering, and additional instrumentation. This demonstrates the confidence they’ve grown since their debut record. The vocals are the biggest improvement from their old material, rancid in their delivery yet captured with clarity. They’re front and centre of the mix, not buried below the rest of the instruments. Abi can do the expected shrill sounds as well as gutturals, yowling up and down their vocal spectrum in single verses. Of course, this is black metal, so these production improvements don’t invalidate their previous records – here, we embrace the pristine and depraved.
Whilst the general mood is triumphant and uplifting, the record spins a tale through the real wreckage of Thatcherite neoliberalism, inspired by post-industrial town life. The dated track names point to moments in a story of best intentions, addiction, and a state that only wishes to forget its constituents. Such a tale serves a down to earth, practical basis for Managed Decline that matches the recording effort. Comparing this record to the current blackgaze movement doesn’t feel quite right amidst these bold choices, though fans of such trends will find a lot to enjoy here.
7.5/10
Managed Decline releases this Friday 24th November and can be pre-ordered here. Underdark are touring the UK right now with Cruelty, find your local dates here.