Released at the end of September via Black Lodge Records, ‘Pillars of the sky’ is a typically elegiac release from Swedish extreme metallers Netherbird. At some twelve minutes in length, spread over two tracks, this is epic, prog-infused black metal with a touch of doom thrown in for good measure. Formed in 2004, Netherbird have amassed an impressive discography, and this single shows that the band have continued the forward march of evolution that was similarly evident on impressive last single ‘Windwards’ (see video below).
The single’s lead track is the subtle, stately ‘Pillars of the sky’ which opens with acoustic guitar and Nephente’s deathly proclamations taking centre stage. Showing impressive restraint, the band take a full two and a half minutes to build towards the harrowing, blackened riffs that dominate the central portion of the song and, when they do arrive, they’re all the more satisfying for having been allowed to build over so rich a backdrop. Taking such a nuanced approach allows the band to build an impressively eerie atmosphere, and this carries over into the heavier portions of the song and, whilst the icy riffs you’d expect from a black metal release are present and correct, the band don’t make it that easy for the listener to follow and Fredrik Andersson, in particular, seems to delight in varying texture and tempo in order to give the song a grand, varied feel. ‘Brazen Splendour’, the single’s sole B side, is a tougher animal from the off, the martial beats announcing a harrowing black metal blast that has more in common with the band’s last single, ‘Windwards’, than the more imperious might of ‘pillars of the sky’. Still interesting, the track digs into ancient folk melodies and 90s black metal tropes, but it cannot quite match the might and invention of the lead track or its illustrious predecessor.
At just $2 for the digital download (although there is a tempting array of physical options for you to choose from should you so wish), this is a no-brainer. Netherbird have definitely expanded their music horizons with this release, and the detailed atmosphere they conjure on the title track promises great things for their forthcoming album ‘the grander voyage’. You can find more information via the band’s bandcamp page and this single comes highly recommended. 8
