Bulgarian  black metal band Black : I is one of the rising bands in the local underground – many of you may have even had the honor of seeing them during their debut show , which took place at the beginning of  March. Even if you missed out – rest assured , I’m convinced we’ll be able to see them live again in the near future because I have a feeling this name is yet to be heard more and more considering the musicians’ attitude towards what they do.

With that said – Black : I will soon release their second full-length album, „Kimah Elenu Su’ati Bahlu“ („As Within, So Without“), the proud successor to 2020’s „Poh’r Odt Graah“ (click here to listen).

There are two things that strike me when I see the title of the new album.
The first is the philosophical outlook of the musicians – „As Within, So Without“  is a philosophical expression considered to be a universal truth, showing us that the outside world is a reflection of our inner one. What we feel and believe tends to manifest in our lives. Anyone who has dived deeper into themselves knows that this is largely valid (not entirely, of course).
The second is the use of the ancient Sumerian language. For people who have some affinity for dead languages, it would definitely be interesting to review the titles of the album itself and the individual tracks.

„Kimah Elenu Su’ati Bahlu“ contains five pieces, some of epic length , with an overall continuation of just over 42 minutes of mystical atmosphere in the form of fiery black metal material.

The first track „Xul, Kan, Esh“ („Odium, blood, fire“) kicks off the album with a simple ambient intro that abruptly shifts into sharp guitars and distorted vocals interspersed with ritualistic Latin chants shortly after the second minute.
Orthodox-sounding, at times attacking with bestial energy, there is constantly something interesting to follow in the piece – we can even hear the traditional Mongolian throat-singing technique ‘khoomei’, which sounds absolutely captivating.
I also feel a lot of the influence of various other genre specific features, such as the Mexican aggression that is present in almost every black metal record from the Mayan land and is a true symbol of rebellion and defiance to date, inspiring artists from all over the world.
All in all – the musicians of Black : I don’t just create an assemblage of different techniques and styles, they manage to combine them in a way that grabs the listener’s attention without overwhelming them with too many avant-garde or superfluous elements.
There is a  feeling of authenticity  in the song, of something new and at the same time ancient as existence itself, awakening different sensations in you.
In case there are people among you who have experienced at least one cathartic moment in your life, „Xul, Kan, Esh“ is that moment when the fire envelops you, determined to leave behind the ashes from which you can later rise and be reborn.
The protagonist  in the song wanders desperately through his own self, searching for direction and salvation from the raging fire, not realizing that it is one of the most sublime things he could possibly experience. Finding yourself at the feet of your first catharsis, everyone experiences varying levels of despair and fear – when the world collapses beneath your feet for the first time you rarely see the possibilities and the open door on the other side – it is something unfamiliar and often frightens your whole being.

„And the fire spils the water,
and the stone is bleeding in flames
When was I abandoned by divinity
shall fire ever be tamed
Show me a clue, reveal thy path to me,
I listen to the wind, I am led by the water
The elemental fire I internalize, enchaining it in my cold heart
XUL KHAN ESH“

„Ultuulla, Zikru, Sagkal“ („Time, consciousness, stone“) continues the existential theme of  the previous song , with a faster tempo , heavier and more chaotic energy now soaked in a growing fury –  a more aggressive approach is  reigning. At times, the psychedelic effect with the interweaving of clean singing , harsh instrumentals and frenzied vocals makes the music sound like a mystical ritual in the vein of the work of Schammasch and other prominent members of the genre who like to dive more into the world of the Unknown, seeking enlightenment, wisdom and the meaning of things – whatever they may mean to each individual. The song focuses on the mystical , with the band using various ancient symbols associated in different beliefs with power and wisdom.

„But the mighty Owl of wisdom awakes in the crown of the Ancient Oak
And its spread wings shall veil the light empowered by the sun
And its massive wings of justice give me back my sight

And I see the window shatter between the Owl of wisdom and myself
And towards the sunset the Owl is fading
Sunset in a sky pierced by the light of stars“

And after enlightenment in the fire and wandering in search of truths, comes „Sittu, Asar, Mu“ („Calmness, eye,
water“). Beginning with more atmospheric approach, the song carries a more grounded and catchy energy that, in throughout its duration is complemented by beautiful ethereal riffs and dreamy passages that carry a sense of floating in space. At the end of the song I can hear the Mongolian technique from the first song again , which only adds to the overall more ritualistic and uplifting atmosphere.

„And the wind is dancing on the ceiling of the endless depths
Dance sinless,
weightless
and unbound“

In „Salmu, Udi, Utu“ („Colour, imagination, sun“) , the penultimate track on the album, we go back slightly with a reference to the first track – starting with ambient sounds in the intro and moving into raw instrumentals and vocals, the song interweaves themes of the past, present and future , seen through the prism of philosophy and the understanding of cosmic space, the search for one’s own place in all the vastness.
The combination of vocal styles is really interesting here and you can hear it even in the same verse of  the song – I note this as a trademark of the band from the beginning.There’s a huge variety offered, which hooks the attention and is impossible to let you get bored while listening to the record.
As the title of the song itself suggests – the world of the lyrical character begins to slowly take on its own meaning and color , the imagination grows and the ‘sun of the soul’ makes its way above the dark darkness of the mind by taking the path to Awareness.

„The wind scatters the clouds, draining out the warmth, it fills the atmosphere with its breath
The crystal space reveals the stars“

The final track „Asu, Libbu, Nanna“ („Exit, heart, moon“) draws us into the depths with a cosmic dark ambient intro that sounds quite familiar. The cosmic abyss is briefly accentuated by layers of soaring chants and darkwave elements that smoothly transition into fast tremolo and the band’s traditional chilling harsh vocals – high and low.
And the whole whirlwind of emotions is brought to an epic conclusion by the interweaving of the differenet vocals – a beautiful combination that puts the finishing touches on the album in a captivating way.
The atmosphere in the last track is dark and weighty, as the lyrical protagonist finds himself lost in his wandering amidst the mystical veils of the unknown, and last but not least – speaks of the projection onto the world brought  by his inner one.
Many people project their inner beliefs and insecurities onto other people and onto the world without paying attention to the fact that often this reality is not real, but only a part of their imagination and mind. Sometimes this inner world can be confused and dark, which inevitably leads to the same reflection in the perception of reality.
There are many interesting reflections on the subject in psychology and philosophy , and the musicians of Black: I manage to capture its essence with ease.

„I deny reality and truth
and depict the world whith the pigment of my soul
pigment made of colours that I’ve never seen.“

Coming to the end of the review, I have to mention that very often musicians write lyrics about cathartic states, cosmic spaces and digging  into philosophical themes, but it’s actually very rare that someone describes and presents everything in a way that is truly authentic, that puts their true heart, thinking and spirit into the work. And that fine line is perceived by few.
It is evident that „Kimah Elenu Su’ati Bahlu“ is a well thought out album and carries a specific meaning and expression for Black : I , which itself makes it a special title and I am sure it will reap huge success among fans of the genre.

With delicately delivered surprises, a tremendous amount of raw energy and original ideas woven in, Black: I uncompromisingly assault the listener’s senses with their second full-length.
The album carries the heart of classic black metal,  orthodox  accents, showcases a combination of a number of vocal styles and guitar work in each track and creates a singular experience without any excess that carries its message and energy.
For some this album may be a reflection of wisdom and immersion in mystical spaces, for others it may be a catalyst or just  an excellent piece of black metal with a captivating sound.
It all comes down to one thing: „Kimah elenu su’ati bahlu.“

If you haven’t heard it yet, you can listen to the song „Ultuulla, Zikru, Sagkal“ here :

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