“Unfit to move, naked, and cold.“
When Predatory Void released Seven Keys to the Discomfort of Being back in 2023, there was a sense that the Belgian unit could be the next black metal act to break through the barrier. Those that pass through, whether it be the likes of Blackbraid or Mayhem, or projects that members of Predatory Void have been involved in such as Oathbreaker, are rare beasts. The genre often sees outrider strains, such as blackgaze in Deafheaven and MØL, drawing the eyes and ears of a wider audience. The intricacies of why this happens is probably best left to the YouTube commenters to fight it out. All that noise aside, Predatory Void certainly showed the talent that should get them on the live circuit, and could be a familiar name on the lips of those who spend their time with black metal.
This now leads to Atoned In Metamorphosis, their EP which is either set to serve as a bridge between their debut and a larger project on the horizon, or just as a standalone marker. What is evident from the opening moments in “MAKE ME WHOLE“, is there is a tone shift in what Predatory Void are doing. Opening on rhythmic spoken word with guitars bristling in the background, it marks a stark change in direction from the full force opener in “Grovel” on Predatory Void‘s previous record. As R speaks their verse in a trance like manner, with the instrumentals building in the background, the build creates a tension that begins to burst out on “NEW MOON“. It delivers a unique opening moment to ensure that Atoned In Metamorphosis marks itself as a new chapter in the Predatory Void story.
Previous Predatory Void material has had a sheer weight to it, infusing elements of doom and sludge, alongside their black metal. As “NEW MOON” begins to move through its chords, there is a lightness and breadth to their sound. Grief and sorrow were the meditations of Seven Keys to the Discomfort of Being, yet on “NEW MOON” and across the record, it has the sense of something more contemplative. There is more room for the guitars of Bossu and Decleodt to ruminate and shine, even as there is a rhythm to them that wraps itself into the ear. The wails of R on the lyric “I return emptied handed, like every other time“, and the discordant breakdown that follows shows the emotive reckoning that Predatory Void bring with them.
There is an intense beauty to what Predatory Void craft on the following track “PEELING CYCLE“, led by the sheer impressive vocal ability of R. Their all-engrossing voice dictates the tapestry of Predatory Void‘s sound. In the doomier moments they sing like a maiden out to sea, before harrowing harsh vocals fill the track and the backing instrumentals match their intensity. The despair in their voice feels akin to the likes of Emma Ruth Rundle, where each line ever so slightly chips away at the inner workings of the emotions.
Predatory Void see us out the side door on “CONTEMPLATION IN TIME“, where the Belgian unit fully remind of just how impressive they are, or could be. Each element discussed, from R‘s vocals and Bossu‘s guitar work are turn on that extra level of intensity, with a dash of chaos akin to Krallice. It’s a track that hopes to soundtrack the end times. With the techniques focusing on dissonant tremolo picking, their usual heft and sludgeiness doesn’t play out, however, the ability of the artist blasts through that regardless.
Predatory Void have done it again, and in a new way, too. The ability and craftsmanship shines through across these four tracks, which is expected given the repertoire of their members. Atoned In Metamorphosis showcases inventive black metal at its highest level, with R‘s vocal ability no doubt being among the best in the genre and those that surround it. They, nor this genre, are well suited to the EP format, as these four tracks feel tantalising next to the more full-fledged experience of their first LP. Still, we hope this is a step along Predatory Void‘s path toward the top of modern black metal, as we need more bands that practice a sound as compelling as this.
7/10
Atoned In Metamorphosis is out February 6th via Pelagic Records, and can be pre-ordered here.