Forgotten Shrines / Weathered Crest-Split MC

A split release is always an opportunity for two artists to engage in a dialogue, offering contrasting yet complementary interpretations of a shared aesthetic. In this case, Forgotten Shrines and Weathered Crest, two of Austria’s most evocative names in blackened post punk, have come together to offer us a fine piece of blackened art.
Forgotten Shrines expands on the foundation laid by its previous demo, refining its sound into something less raw yet still steeped in an ambient haze. The increased presence of post punk elements adds a spectral melancholia, yet the band does not stray from its blackened roots. The tension between dungeon synth-infused atmosphere and the sharp edges of black metal results in a sound that feels more immersive, drawing the listener into its mist-covered landscapes without sacrificing the identity it has built thus far.
Weathered Crest, on the other hand, takes a slightly different approach, maintaining the essence of its past work while pushing deeper into dungeon synth’s eerie allure. The contrast between brooding instrumental passages and the sheer intensity of the metal sections is striking. At times, their sound even eclipses Forgotten Shrines in ferocity, proving to be more dynamic and unpredictable. The interplay of shimmering guitar tones, relentless rhythms, and ethereal interludes allows Weathered Crest to carve out a distinct space within the split while maintaining an undeniable synergy with its counterpart.
While black metal has long been a genre of rigid aesthetics and sonic orthodoxy, bands like Forgotten Shrines and Weathered Crest remind us that its boundaries can be stretched, bent, and reimagined without losing its essence. There are not many acts operating within this niche of blackened post punk, yet a few names come to mind: Circle of Ouroborus, Veins Like Vines, Edo, Les Saints Innocents, Swordsman, and even the most recent album from Turpitude. Each of these bands, like Forgotten Shrines and Weathered Crest, challenges the notion that black metal must always adhere to a specific form, proving instead that a sense of mystery and aggression can coexist in the melody.
Ultimately, this split showcases two bands with distinct voices but a shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of their craft. In a genre often dominated by more traditional sonic aesthetics, Forgotten Shrines and Weathered Crest remind us that innovation is not only possible but can make black metal all the more compelling.