Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
Looking through a lens of nihilism and stoic defiance, Lömsk is back with “Act II: Of Iron and Blood,” an album, set for release on March 6 via Vendetta Records, that takes us on a dark journey into a world filled with ash and smoke.
Even though the band comes from Sweden, their creative vibe seems like it’s been pulled straight from the damp, smoky cellars of the Polish black metal scene, especially the melodic structure and dark, mid-tempo feel of Mgła. You can really feel this influence right from the start of “Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum,” with those atmospheric guitar lines and a vocal style that kind of reminds you of a grittier version of the Polish colleague. It sets a pretty consistent tone throughout. Just like their first album, this second one doesn’t really show much growth; if you enjoyed their debut, you’ll find yourself in a pretty familiar place here, as the band seems happy to stick to the same sound without really trying to evolve it.
Aside from the Polish blueprints and the war-themed vibes, the musicality really stands out. The guitar work is really impressive, and if you can overlook the obvious influences from those who came before, the technical skill is definitely top-notch. For someone who’s been into black metal for a while, it’s tough not to think about the big names in the genre when you hear these sounds. But Lömsk really tackles these familiar elements with a sense of genuine admiration instead of just going through the motions. They blend in some Finnish and French vibes, steering clear of direct copying and giving us a taste of something a bit more original on tracks like “Spetälsk.” This atmospheric focus really changes their thematic perspective from the usual “war metal.” Instead of diving into the front-line chaos like 1914, Lömsk takes a look at the broken consequences of war instead. The subtlety here is so strong that you might not catch the war theme until the third track, “Requiem of Fire,” where the rolling drums really bring the concept together.
In the end, Act II comes across as a really well-made homage to a movement that’s already hit its high point. Even though the feelings of desperation and scorched-earth nihilism fit right in with the band’s imagery, the question of true identity is still left hanging. As they gear up for their third release, the big challenge will be to turn their amazing talent into a sound that’s uniquely theirs. These days, with everything at our fingertips and influences so easy to spot, Lömsk definitely has the chance to discover their own voice. They just need to break free from the shadows of Warsaw and ignite their own passion.
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