review by Dee: Hån

Hån – Facilis Descensus Averni

It’s about time an underground black metal band spoil us. Switzerland’s Hån gives us nothing less than grim emotion on their latest full-length, Facilis Descensus Averni. Hån is the Norwegian word for “scorn,” and their tribute to ridicule is stained on each and every one of the tracks on Facilis Descensus Averni.

Loose percussion ignites track number one, “Black Banners”; a swarm of melancholy instrumentation treads under piercing screams, awaking the theme of the album. Guitars scratch through “Desublimation,” and the arrangement of the melody and vocals makes it feel like a rallying, dark anthem. “Distant Lights” quickly builds up and feeds listeners hyper blast beats. Sealing up the album is “Summum Bonum.” Vocals and instruments work together to give a final outcry, but the album’s effects are to be everlasting.

Hån’s interpretation of black metal is beyond satisfying. Songs don’t bleed together in a monotonous lump; each track is marked with its own vibe, where the vocals come from a believable place. Facilis Descensus Averni buzzes with woeful melodies, and the percussion maintains an urgent and forceful nature throughout the songs. Overwhelmingly honest and overwhelmingly desolate sums up Facilis Descensus Averni.

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