Mgla - With Hearts Toward None

Mgla are not a revolutionary band. They are, however, an evolutionary band. Since their raw little split with Exordium back in 2005 this Polish duo have been releasing a steadily improving series of epic black metal albums and EPs, which currently culminates in the new album With Hearts Toward None. What exactly is getting better about Mgla? Production for one thing has become increasingly lush, and on this album the swathes of guitar static are so soft and well balanced with drums, bass and vocals that you’re immediately absorbed. Another of the band’s absorbing refinements is balanced epic song structure and desperately clawing riffs of cloistering emotion. No, Mgla don’t do anything new, but the power of their black metal riffs cuts straight to the nerve. It’s that pure dark emotion of nihilistic hopelessness that so many bands strive to achieve but never will. On With Hearts Toward None, every single riff captures what I feel is the true spirit of the genre (and of its own individual vision), forming an entire work which is nothing short of uplifting, empowering and all that other lame shit that sounds out of place in a black metal review, but (be honest) you feel all the time when you listen to good black metal. And all of this is most definitely good. Some of these riffs just lift you out of your seat, it’s that good! Even my girlfriend digs these tracks, and she listens to nothing but Khmer pop.

Mgla are a band to watch out for. They create real black metal (with only a slight rock influence in some riffs, perhaps) that is grim and black as Hell could ever want it to be, and without deviating from this form create something that feels fresh, interesting and powerful. Also if history is anything to note (see incredible precursor to this album, Groza), this band will only continue to develop their style in the future.

In summary: An album that stands up to relistening again and again and again. Mgla tops my list for 2012 right now. Fuck anyone who says black metal is dead.

Standout tracks: “V” makes me cum, but generally all

Score: 9.5


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