(Andy Synn finds himself inspired once more – in more ways than one – by the music of Uprising)
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with a bit of musical escapism, that’s for sure, and I love songs about gods and monsters, mysterious mountain kingdoms and crazy cosmic phenomena as much as anyone.
But there’s also a time and a place for music with a message as well, and since 2016 – wow, has it really been that long? – Uprising (AKA the solo project of Waldgeflüster‘s Jan van Berlekom) have been spreading their anarchic, anti-fascist and anti-authoritarian message of resistance and revolt through the medium of some absolutely killer, riff-driven and punk-propelled Black Metal.
And, for better or worse, that message still rings true on their new album, which was released just last week.
Compared to II, there’ve definitely been a few subtle shifts in how Uprising approach things on III, with things taking on a darker, more apocalyptic tone – although the triumphant strains of “Uprising III” are just as anthemic and invigorating as both of its eponymous predecessors – which bleeds through in the bleak, yet infectious, melodies and brooding atmospheric passages of songs like “Eternal Mantra” and “Raise a Glass”.
There’s also been a few obvious progressions from II to III, not least the enhanced (and improved) role of van Berlekom’s soul-stirring clean vocals – carefully positioned in both the aforementioned “Uprising III” and “Raise a Glass” to ensure maximum impact – and the further incorporation of key samples during the likes of “Eternal Mantra” and “While the World Is Burning” to really help hammer the album’s message home.
And then there’s the unexpected, but highly appreciated, presence of Panopticon main-man (and long-time friend of the blog) Austin Lunn on the drums, whose imposing presence and impressive performance behind the kit – just listen to the absolute torrent of raging blastbeats and wild, whirling fills he unleashes during the album’s climactic warning shot, “Brace Yourself”, for example – must surely have played at least some role in inspiring van Berkolom to also up his game throughout the rest of the record.
Make no mistake though, despite (or perhaps because of) the more subtle changes mentioned above, III is still just as angry, just as aggressive, and just as in-your-face (if not even more so) with its refusal to back down or betray its ideals, as its predecessors – “A Message to the Hypocrites”, in fact, is easily one of the most vicious and visceral Uprising songs to date – and may well be the band’s harshest, most uncompromising album yet.
So if, perhaps, you weren’t fully taken in by the new Kvaen or can’t wait for the next Spectral Wound album – and are looking for something a little bit more real, a little more raw, which takes no prisoners but also gives you a reason to stand up for what you believe in – then I encourage you to pick up a copy of III as soon as you can.
Because, in the end… there is no better war to fight / than for a future where reason and compassion decides.