Young And The Way's Amen/I Am Not What I Am is the perfect record for anyone who slept on the band - like I foolishly did. Combining two of their full lengths into one neat and tidy 2xLP, this is a solid and lengthy odyssey. At times the music could be labeled under that seemingly all encompassing "blackened" crust genre, others it sounds like Cursed's final album... and then some moments bring to mind acts like Iskra and Burzum. Amen is a good starting point if you're a first time listener. There's a balance of blistering hardcore, slower instrumental numbers, and even a thirteen minute epic to close out the album. More than half of the tracks clock in below the three-minute mark so it was a surprise to hear the sprawling closer, "The Becoming." It's long without getting tedious. One thing that can be said about any YAITW is that every note is intense and punishing.
I Am Not What I Am begins with a six minute atmospheric piece. It goes on a bit too long for my liking but it sets the stage for the remaining ten tracks. The pure sound and fericousness is just unshakable. It has a level of heaviness on par with Seven Sisters Of Sleep, but for different reasons. Whereas SSOS takes cues from Eyehategod's book, YAITW mixes together hardcore and black metal, something that is very clear during their live shows. A performance feels more like a ritual than just another gig - with the burning incense, large black banners, and dimmed lights. Seriously don't miss out on seeing them on tour.
I wouldn't say I'm a fan of black metal - no matter how much my friend at Halifax Collect tried to convert me - but this is an enjoyable double LP that took me by surprise. Highly recommended.
