Mgła - With Hearts Toward None (2012)

I hate the fact that I have to start this review off by admitting to the simple truth that after Mgła (that's Polish language, which is completely insane and pronounced, "mgwah.") released their debut EP 'Presence' in '06 that I completely forgot about the band until more recently when I randomly listened to one of the songs from this album on youtube and was totally floored by what I heard.

The song in question being part III of this seven track album titled 'With Hearts Toward None,' which may very well be one of or perhaps even the finest black metal release I've heard out of Poland.

Essentially a side project of Kriegsmaschine members Darkside (drums) and M. (vocals, guitar and bass) the bands history dates back to '00, though their first notable release was the 'Crushing the Holy Trinity (Holy Spirit)' split with Exordium in '05. From then they'd go on to release a few sought after EPs as well as the full-length 'Groza' in '08 before unleashing their second opus (yep this one) in '12, which as I already stated is quite the massive release.

It would be hard to pinpoint Mgła's exact influences as the band manages to sound rather melodious with their song writing, often times featuring various melodies bobbing about amongst diverse and complex drumming, whilst at the same time sounding about as true as black metal gets these days. With each song consisting of only 2-3 riffs it would seem likely that the songs would have potential to bore, however M. happens to be a riff master and some of his licks are absolutely some of the coolest I've heard in recent memory. Many have this ridiculously catchy glistening sort of vibe to them, whereas at the same time they have that potential to tickle those hairs on the back of your neck with this sense of darkness and twisted morbidity to them. Factor in a visceral vocal delivery, interesting Satanic related lyrics and a strong drum performance filled with steady blasting, creative fills, rolls and military beats and you've got a monstrous album pouring out of your speakers.

Going back to part III, I mean, were talking about a song that goes for the jugular here with two of the most memorable riffs I think I've ever heard, they are both repeated to death during the songs nearly eight minute duration but I'd be hard pressed to say they've even become dull once in the songs dynamic build-up, pace and eventual epic conclusion. Part V has this totally commanding presence throughout the entire song, which makes it a standout naturally, while VI comes off as one of the albums harder hitters with VI, which is also the albums lengthiest song at ten minutes is similar to III in its massive development and just absolutely dominating unmatched quality.

I've only had this record for about a month now and I probably shouldn't jump to any ridiculous conclusions and declare it one of the best black metal records ever to come out of Poland, but to be totally frank with you, 'With Hearts Toward None' just fucking rules. Its in a way quite a simple record, and you could probably count how many riffs are actually in the whole thing, but this to me is black metal delivered in a very special and honestly unique way that I haven't heard before, even though the formula is typical. If you haven't heard it I'd have to advise you to look into it, similarly I'm going to have to get my hands on the remainder of their discography soon.