W.A.I.L. / Misantropical Painforest

***From the frigid climes of the far North comes one of the most compelling split records in recent years: Finland’s W.A.I.L. and MISANTROPICAL PAINFOREST have joined forces to release Dare To Venture Down To Earth, Father! Perish Into Nothingness on split 12” vinyl format. These entities have existed in the shadows for many years, and this record is the result of a mutual respect between the two projects. Misantropical Painforest, a solo project of KUTCHECK GOREALIS (also of LEGACIES UNCHAIN) began in 2003 and has released three full-lengths to date. Those familiar with the work can expect more epic death-and-doom-tinged black metal, with some similarities to Isengard but without true parallel. For those new to this music: prepare for something singularly unique in today’s underground scene, with competing harsh and sung vocals and triumphant riffs reminiscent of Varathron. Fellow countrymen W.A.I.L. (meaning Wisdom through Agony into Illumination and Lunacy) occupy the second half of the split, returning with their first release since Vol. II from 2018. Another spectral outfit with a tightly curated discography, the music of W.A.I.L. dwells in the mire of black/death metal, with a heavy emphasis on occult atmosphere as opposed to a bestial/war metal approach. Their three songs tread a labyrinthine path, with a heavy sense of doom accompanying all their varied movements. Musical comparisons could be made to early Samael and Finnish cult Hail, but much like Misantropical Painforest, they defy easy categorization. A standout release of 2024, this split LP is a mandatory affair for fans of distinctive black metal that treads its own path.