CoC : Vitriol - I-VII : Review

Vitriol - _I-VII_
(Neurot Recordings, 2001)
by: Pedro Azevedo (6 out of 10)

Recorded in the Cambrian mountains (Wales) by Ben Green of Godflesh, Vitriol is an atmospheric musical entity that possesses some redeeming qualities but seems unlikely to raise more than cursory interest in anyone who isn't a dedicated fan of the genre. Having read Green's very philosophical description of these roughly recorded tracks, it seems to me that if you can embrace the concept that this record is based upon, you may be in for quite a spiritual experience. For everyone else, however, there may not be a lot in _I-VII_ to justify a purchase. The rumbling voice and background atmosphere of the third track and the more musical final one stand out from the monotonous, depressive soundscapes. Apart from that, the slowly evolving sequences of guitar distortion and "natural acoustic phenomena" do little to cause any direct impression on the listener, instead trying to stealthily creep their way into the subconscious. There isn't a lot on this record to keep your attention focused on Vitriol's work, so you are more than likely to find your mind wandering off -- hopefully into some inner voyage, if you are in the right frame of mind, but most likely towards your collection of CDs to seek a better alternative. As far as background, purely atmospheric soundscapes go, Vitriol is quite good; its use and enjoyability as a record seems to me rather limited, however.

(article published 12/8/2001)