HIEMS is a one-man black metal project hailing from Italy, founded in 1996 by the multi-instrumentalist Alessandro “Algol” Comerio. You might recognize his name, as he has also been the bassist for FORGOTTEN TOMB since 2003, and he has been actively involved in several other bands, assuming various roles. “Stranger in a Wasteland,” HIEMS‘ third release, is set to be unleashed via Agonia Records on September 8th, 2023. Understandably, this album showcases a notable evolution compared to their previous works, considering that fourteen years have passed since the release of “Worship or Die.”
The opening tune “A Night on the Bare Mountain,” inspired by the booklet of a classical music piece by Mussorgsky, begins with a quote from Ingmar Bergman’s movie, The Seventh Seal, presented here in its Italian translation, which in English translates to: “Who are you?” – “I am Death.” This choice does give the tune a very peculiar vibe, as it kind of sets the right atmosphere: the main riff is simple and effective, rock-oriented and groovy, and the chorus is reminiscent of the best of SATYRICON’s offerings in the last twenty years, along with a distinctive CELTIC FROST-like vibe. Algol’s ominous chant goes under your skin and forces you to stare into the abyss, in an evocative yet scary landscape, as portrayed in the song’s music video, which I warmly suggest watching.
Given that HIEMS is a one-man band, it’s impossible not to notice the central role played by its creator. This feature, however, is an added value indeed, as it gives a clear idea of how brilliant and multi-faceted Algol’s talent can be, both as a composer and as a producer.
As a whole, the album demands the listener’s full attention: the duration of its tracks (around 6 minutes each), along with the richness of the songs’ structure makes it an opus one would not simply listen to while doing something else, in a time when there are too many albums that sound like mere background noise, good for doing your chores… However, it is no hard task to actively pay attention to it, as the songs are catchy and engaging, thanks to a perfect combination of black and roll-ish riffs, a massive rhythm section, and solid songwriting.
Algol gives a pretty clear example of his worldview, starting from the album’s title: an intense feeling of non-belonging permeates the whole set of songs, along with the precise intention of following his own path, no matter the consequences. Being true to yourself may lead to extreme isolation and loneliness, but this uncompromising attitude pays back in terms of integrity and authenticity. Death is always the main character in the lyrics, as some sort of a companion one cannot really get rid of. Although the topics are nothing new in the genre, the way the elements are blended is quite fresh and smart, giving an avant-garde touch to the work, while keeping it delightfully old-school.
Track six, “Bereavement,” is one of the highlights of the album due to its darkwave flavor and distinct Gothic vibe: it is indeed a one-of-a-kind tune, majestically crafted and performed by Algol, who unexpectedly unleashed a JOY DIVISION-like chant and atmosphere, without giving up on his extreme metal attitude. The fascination for death does have many shapes, and this gentleman seems to feel at ease with each one of them…
Some punkish vibes in “Better Off Dead” provide a clear sense of the lack of boundaries in terms of creativity one can discover here. Even the title track, as representative as it typically is, does not fully convey the complexity and richness present in this offering. It is a manifesto indeed, the longest tune on the album, and sees the participation of INNO’s singer Elisabetta Marchetti as a guest. Her angelic voice, that I have mentioned with this exact description a few years ago while reviewing SHORES OF NULL’s third album, counterbalances the overall merciless feeling of the song: the line “you were born alone – you will die alone” sounds almost comforting, as an indisputable truth none can run away from.
The closing track, “Quietus,” took me off guard: a psychedelic-like trip with a distinctive dark flavor I did not expect to find here, but I have to say it is a classy way to express the main concept while keeping an eye on the author’s diverse and limitless expertise in creating deep and meaningful music, as also proved quite recently with POSEIDON, whose album came out earlier this year. I would warmly suggest “Stranger in a Wasteland” to anyone who is craving for a black metal release that sounds familiar and unconventional at the same time, a release that, again, requires you to take a moment to stare into your own abyss and get lost in it.
Written by Licia Mapelli
Tracklist
- A Night on the Bare Mountain
- Death Unites Us
- Master of Lies
- March!
- The Rites of Terror
- Bereavement
- Better Off Dead
- Stranger in a Wasteland
- Quietus
Lineup
Alessandro “Algol” Comerio – vocals, guitars, bass, drums, percussion, synthesizers
Label
Agonia Records
