The music can ebb and flow between so many edges of the genre with sudden shifts in dynamics and timbres. Forget standard verse-chorus structures too. Instead, Domhain are defying song writing conventions and telling their musical stories on their very own terms. ‘Footsteps II’ features a serotonin sapping gloomy and bleak undertone in a slower doom inspired piece that’s oddly addictive, making escape from its mirky depths quite impossible. It’s a harrowing and immersive journey into the darker depths of your psyche, allowing you to feel emotions you weren’t sure you had previously.
Whereas ‘In Perfect Stillness’ takes the more route one approach with the blistering blast beats, gnarly growled vocals and more frantic aggression from the get go. Yet they resist the urge to unleash the fully qualified inferno of hell! Instead, it retains a wonderful opulent quality and surprisingly warmer inviting tone. Much like Deafheaven or Alcest would do.
Domhain go beyond the traditional metal instrumental setup and tools to achieve the sound they want. Tactical deployments of acoustic guitars, cellos, and other traditional percussion instruments to compliment the foundations laid down by the bass, drums, and electric guitars.
It’s difficult to standout in the fiercely stacked world of black metal. Though Domhain have observed the masses and advanced in the opposite direction. “In Perfect Stillness” is a breath of fresh air in a genre full of cliches and gimmicks, injecting welcome life and novelty into black metal.