Beyond Helvete – Self Therapy

posted by Zamo on June 26, 2011

Beyond Helvete

Country: Germany

Style: Depressive Black Metal

Label: Dusktone





Considering the German origin of Beyond Helvete, one might say it has an advantage over other bands. Lately, Germany has been having a very active underground metal scene that left deep scars in the DSBM area through bands like Sterbend, Coldworld, Anti, Bethlehem, etc.

Nonetheless, however underground you may call this subgenre of black metal, DSBM has lately dealt with a popularity boom among the bands, thus looking for and finding something original sometimes give you a headache.

According to the info sheet,  the album Self Therpy could be looked upon as ‘’a journey through yourself’’ and when talking about deep emotional black metal, this journey couldn’t be otherwise than gloomy, misanthropic and negative.

The highlight of deep emotional black metal is the way Natrgaard makes use of his voice along the album; it is a twisted and painful sound, quite atypical even for a DSBM band, but at least it sounds unique.

It is probably the only aspect that makes a difference compared to other black metal albums, even if the album is well organized and produced.

Musically, the album tends towards a traditional black metal on tracks like Fears and, here and there, towards Shining influences, especially due to the way more rock and metal styles are mingled.

Structurally, the songs encompass alternating slow rhythm, monotonous riffs and dark atmosphere with brutal passages and aggressive riffs. The transition between passages is made through acoustic tricks.

Broadly speaking, Self Therapy creates a foray in a dark and anguished world and all you can hear is the direct result of these feelings; it reflects emotions, feelings and bleak, negative thoughts. It is an album that can be taken in after several listenings, it doesn’t bring many changes to the genre, but the vocals are something you need to accommodate with.  On the whole, it as a well done album and very emotional in a dark and black metal way.

Format: 6 panel / Digipack CD

Tracklist:

Soul Reflection

Self Therapy

Fears

Confession

A nameless desire

The More I Know

Rating: 7.5

+ Soul Reflection, Self Therapy, The More I know