Dangerous Toys, Carach Angren and Cradle of Filth might be considered an unlikely combination, which perfectly mirrors the musical sentiment of South Korean symphonic black metal brood Dark Mirror ov Tragedy. Conjured to being in 2003, their sixth mixture of off elements takes an old school black metal approach, as the symphony meets the coven. Their music, echoing influence from the basement dungeon wall to the emptiest spaces of the dark forest.
The shadowed ghouls are vocalist M. Pneuma, guitarist’s Gash and Senyt, bassist Reverof, drummer Confyverse and keyboardist Genie with guest visiting spirits Yama Darkblaze (Rakshasa/Ethereal Sin) and Binna Kim (Psychanical Dreamers) supplying vocals with violin by Arthenic.
Their name was taken from Nostradamus who saw the future through the dark mirror. They’ve taken influence from real life experiences to cinematic narrative, reflecting the broad interpretive space between light and darkness.
Their music collectively unites elements of opposite states of mind, being and emotions delivering a memorable experience as minor keys inspire mental methodologies of interpretation and understanding. Though, their production can’t be easily categorized as they’re always in a state of evolution. Straying from commercial, mainstream influence, they prefer a more thought provoking loud direction. Making listeners dive deeper into the stories woven through strings, drums and lyrics.
Their music encompasses classic gothic sounds with elements of anguish, misery, beauty and ugliness in the vocals. Those that enjoy the extra-unordinary black metal style will appreciate the often cackling, screeching delivery, with vocals reflecting nicely opposite off the beauty exhaled from strings classical and electric. Pneuma’s approach might be considered uncomfortable and unattractive to some which fits perfectly to their combination of opposites.
The Lord Ov Shadows, now available is 46 minutes of dark narrative and esoteric music woven together in ways that may seem unnatural and not meant to be blending sounds unaccustomed to side by side proximity into an uneasy structure that works in their world.
Vocals screech out like a damned witch’s curse surrounded by torch lit mob-like instruments spreading like haunted mist in the forest.
Five songs tell the story of its main character’s voyage becoming the Lord Ov Shadows by facing personal inner darkness and their greatest fear. When mentally sharp and focused, the character is ready to rule the world within the Dark mirror.
The video for “I am the Lord of Shadows” is a visually stunning, dark vision creating a clandestine, creepy, horror-movie atmosphere while Pneuma goes medieval on glamorous scabbed winged angels and demons moving and bleeding in ecstasy and torment.
“Creation of the Alter Self” starts the sinister tale as pianos open fast paced and majestic with an orchestra of grandeur and the choir singing of greatness as female vocals and acoustic strings finish the track.
The opening acoustics of “Possession” give a false security as vocals attack out of nowhere, surprising the ear from behind like a dark enraptured spirit. There’s almost a folk influence with music rushing forward, taking a breather at five minutes, letting instrumentation take over.
Like hesitant footsteps, trepid key notes start “The Annunciation in Lust,” creeping down a corridor with creepy candlelight notes as fast and furious guitars tear the scenery apart. Choirs sound off like a cathedral ceremony with keys, notes and drums in league. Drums surround the music like a ritualistic circle. Acoustics take over with classical strings giving off an almost tranquil, Eden-like effect.
“I am the Lord Ov Shadows” is the grand entrance shadowed by echoes speaking mysterious and incantations of transformations. All the musical ingredients are pulled out for the epic coronation with a stylistic parade of musical elements.
Dark Mirror brings a different taste and customized style to their music. While face value musical and visual comparisons can be made, delving deeper into their work and world give the listener pause to summon another band of similarity.
Whether they’re an acquired taste to some or everyday listening to others, Dark Mirror present a unique offering to the world. While inspired by their Norwegian brethren, they bring their own eastern alchemy to the throne.
