Vanum comes from two of the United States's brightest black metal minds. For years, K. Morgan and M. Rekevics have been spearheading some of the most cerebral and innovative projects to emerge from this side of the Atlantic Ocean. Morgan reigns from Ash Borer and Predatory Light, who were both responsible for two of 2016's best albums. Meanwhile, Rekevics comes from bands like Fell Voices, Vilkacis, Vorde, and more recently, Yellow Eyes. The duo has undoubtedly become champions of long form black metal as of late. In fact, their first album together as Vanum, Realm of Sacrifice, took this concept in stride. The four songs on that record averaged a shade over 10 minutes. Furthermore, Realm of Sacrifice captured more of a dejected and gloomy tone. It consequently led to a more introspective listening experience.
Not this time, though. Vanum has trimmed the fat. Gone is the sorrow and in its place, an overwhelming sense of triumph. Their new mini-LP, Burning Arrow, does not pull punches. While only three songs, they each are some of the most powerful compositions to emerge this year. Vanum siphons from classic Hellenic and Slavic influences to hone in on their distinct sound. Their music is as much Rotting Christ or Master's Hammer as it is their other bands. Yet, Vanum remains its own force. The arpeggios that rush through "Watcher in the Eastern Sky" and the resounding percussion of "Spring of Life" sees Burning Arrow revel in the glory of victory. The personal favorite, "Immortal Will", is Vanum at its most brutish. K. screams into the black, torch in hand, with affirmed dominion over the limitless void. Certainly, a fitting centerpiece to an outstanding display of blackened might.
With the minds that are behind a project like Vanum, greatness is indeed the end result. The triumphs of this project's music mirror the triumphs of both K. and M. in their musical conquests. This powerful duo has found a sharp and exacting sound through Burning Arrow. Should this blazing path continue to be a part of Vanum's repertoire, then they are methodically crafting a dynamic and formidable sound for the future. Morgan and Rekevics have been on the cutting edge of black metal in the United States for nearly a decade. Based on their recent outputs, Burning Arrow included, they show no signs of giving up that position anytime soon.
