False - Hunger

By Matt Hinch. The Gilead Media release schedule has been crazy this Summer, to say the least. Plus, each release offers something different. For this one, it's different for more than one reason. Gilead and its fans are

By Matt Hinch.

Cover art by Steve Wilson.

The Gilead Media release schedule has been crazy this Summer, to say the least. Plus, each release offers something different. For this one, it's different for more than one reason. Gilead and its fans are no strangers to Minnesota black metal powerhouse False. The label has released their split with Barghest, their untitled EP, and their 2015 untitled LP. Which are all spectacular by the way. What's different on Hunger, their new two-song EP, besides actually having a title, is its brevity. False are known for routinely breaking the 10 minute mark. The untitled LP had five songs ranging from over 15 minutes to just under nine and a half. However on Hunger both songs TOTAL eight and a half minutes. I'm sure it was a challenge to reign it in but the results speak for themselves.

“Anhedonia” starts off a little slow and the pace does waiver throughout the 4:03 runtime but it stays true to what we've come to expect from them. The keyboards are prominent and as usual give the track a grand, orchestral feel. Of this earth, but not of this time. Tremolos race like horses whipped into a frenzy by their master's crop and soar over dark and foul vistas. You can feel the duality in your bones. The struggle between crushing darkness and a relentless rhythm section versus the often uplifting keys and guitars. Of course, the ghastly and vile vocals render all other feelings moot.

False 2015. Photos by François Carl Duguay.

“Hunger” wastes even less time (but more time) flaying flesh from bone. The pace here is more constant. i.e. Full velocity for most of the 4:29 runtime. But many of the same sentiments imparted by “Anhedonia” are replicated here. The percussion blisters, the guitars rage, melodic tremolos get buried deep in the mind, the vocals make you want to hide. However, the keys are a little more subtle and complimentary but do come to the fore and imbue a sense of angelic grace amid the torrent of audial violence.

It may be less than 10 minutes long but Hunger packs in as much nihilistic yet triumphant black metal as you need. Whether False's move toward noticeably shorter songs is a sign of things to come (I hope not. It's great but not necessary.) or merely an experiment in self-control is really not worth debating. Just take it for what it is: one of USBM's very best satiating your hunger for darkness should the fullness of their 2015 LP be waning.

Draw the shades, free your mind and let Hunger take hold.