CONSECRATION - Smrt, ljubav, smrt - LP

Smrt, ljubav, smrt, the seventh album by Consecration, is a haunting and atmospheric journey through the realms of death, love, and everything in between. Recorded at various locations in Belgrade, the album draws deeply from the city's historical and emotional wellsprings, imbuing the music with a sense of both introspection and grandeur.

From the very first track, it becomes clear that Consecration has once again refined their signature sound — a blend of dark ambient, post-rock, and metal. The music is dense, cinematic, and often brooding, capturing the themes of death ("smrt") and love ("ljubav") with a sense of inevitable melancholy. The band’s use of space is notable; long, drawn-out passages of minimalistic instrumentation build slowly into more intense, heavy moments, creating a perfect juxtaposition of quiet introspection and cathartic release.

The overall tone of Smrt, ljubav, smrt is profoundly emotional. The album feels like a meditation on the complexities of life, where love and death are intertwined, and neither can exist without the other. The sparse yet evocative soundscapes create a somber but beautiful atmosphere, almost like a soundtrack to the soul’s darkest contemplations.

The decision to record in various locations in Belgrade was a wise one, adding a layer of authenticity to the album. The city, known for its rich history and juxtaposition of the old and new, seems to breathe through the album's very veins. The locations seem to shape the sound in subtle ways, with reverb and ambiance reflecting the aged buildings, narrow streets, and turbulent history of Belgrade.

The production is meticulous, blending organic elements with ambient sound design in a way that never feels overdone. The tracks maintain a balance of warmth and coldness, with each note resonating with intent. The mixing allows for every layer of sound — whether it’s a soft guitar pluck or a heavier, distorted riff — to shine in its own time.

For fans of dark ambient, post-rock, and emotionally rich music, Smrt, ljubav, smrt is an album that demands attention. It’s a record that will resonate long after the last notes fade, inviting listeners to reflect on the ephemeral nature of life, love, and death.