CALVANA – SUB JANUS

From the very first chords, the album establishes a strong atmospheric foundation, combining classic black metal intensity with moments of a more direct and forceful approach. 'Twilight Song' adds a distinct melancholic dimension, driven by passionate yet tormented vocals. The track relies largely on a restrained instrumental backdrop, built around repetitive and deliberately simple riffs, while still maintaining an overall melodic character. Deeply rooted in traditional Norwegian black metal, the composition also carries subtle resonances of early ULVER in select passages. The interplay between melody and distortion proves highly effective, resulting in a sound that feels cold, unfiltered, and uncompromising-a strong and immersive opening statement. 'My Prayer to Diana' moves deeper into aggressive territory, with vocals that sustain their raw, desperate edge. The composition feels denser and more contained, trading overt melody for a colder, more controlled intensity. Cymbal-led drumming subtly enhances the track’s atmosphere, while a gritty bass presence surfaces toward the end, adding weight and reinforcing the song’s bleak momentum. 'Summer Storm' introduces a noticeably lighter and more accessible atmosphere, while simultaneously revealing a deeper emotional strain. The vocals shift toward a near-clean delivery, still carrying a rough, expressive edge that feels like a lament or solemn prayer. Midway through the track, a burst of renewed intensity elevates the composition and adds additional layers to the sound. Despite this development, the song remains structurally simple. 'Death of Pan' opens with an extended acoustic guitar passage before erupting into a whirlwind of relentless blast beats and heavily distorted guitars. The contrast between the calm introduction and the ensuing intensity creates a sense of controlled chaos within the instrumental framework. This turbulent backdrop allows the harsh, sinister vocals to stand out more clearly, enhancing their impact and emphasizing the track’s dark atmosphere.

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'Carnivore' immediately captures attention with a distinctive lead guitar sound that carries a slightly dissonant, almost mournful character. The spoken-word vocal delivery adds a dramatic layer, unfolding over a thick and immersive wall of sound. While the track maintains the album’s overall intensity, it rises above much of the surrounding material, driven primarily by its more imaginative and creatively executed guitar work. The only element that feels less convincing is a noticeably odd tone in the middle section, which briefly disrupts the cohesion of the track and comes across as slightly out of place. The album closes with its title track, 'Sub Janus', which functions as a minimalist acoustic outro. The stripped-back instrumentation places emphasis on atmosphere, while the demonic vocals—filtered to resemble a transmission from an old radio-add an eerie, distant quality. The track sustains a lingering sense of unease, maintaining its tense mood right up until the very final sound.

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With its strong sense of atmosphere, contrasting dynamics, and consistent dark vision, the album delivers a compelling and cohesive listening experience. While not every experiment fully lands, the overall songwriting, vocal intensity, and instrumental interplay create a record that feels both immersive and confidently executed. A solid and engaging statement from CALVANA.

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SCORE 8/10

Reviewed by SWAMPY

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