Dekadent - Venera: Trial & Tribulation (2011)

Band: Dekadent
Country: Ljubljana, Slovenia
Style: Progressive/Symphonic Black Metal
Label: G-Records/Rough Trade

I'm not one to just find a symphonic black metal, or symphonic metal in general, album and just try it out, mainly because many of the bands just sound the same. This band intrigued me enough to make me want to check out this, their third full-length by being described as avant-garde players. That, and the fact that they're from Slovenia, a country I know relatively nothing about, makes it worth the while.

I have to say that while this band certainly is symphonic black metal, they are not in the least bit as cheesy as groups like Cradle of Filth or Dimmu Borgir, and they don't take it to the epic level of Bal-Sagoth, instead, the symphonic keyboards are used more for atmosphere. As tracks like Thralldom Decree and False Endearment will testify, the band make use of guitar melodies more so than relying on them from the keyboards. The reliance on keyboards is also not heavy enough to push them to the very front of the sound, though there are times when they are, most of the time they are used to accent the guitar parts being played, hear Paramours In Vain. Though I personally love when they use piano, like in the interlude Trial & Tribulation which sounds like it belongs on a film score more than a metal album.

I have to say that the guitar work on here is well done, crafting some really great melodies that stick in your head. Even on tracks where there's a more brutal assault, melodies still play a very important role in here. I'd go so far as to say a lot of the melodies on here are actually uplifting compared to a lot of bands out there right now, most of this record doesn't contain that darkness around it. There's quite a bit of shredding on here, for those who like solos, this does bring a different vibe to the band, as they definitely have an almost power metal influence on a few of these tracks, but not to the extent of Bodom.

Overall, this is a decent album, but not one that's without it's flaws, several of these tracks feel like filler to me. But there's still some really good stuff on here that's well worth paying attention to. If you're interested in forward thinking symphonic black metal, check this album out.
Overall Score: 8
Highlights: Raided, Craven, Sunday's Lament