MUT

"Mut" is the 4th full-length studio album by Norwegian/UK act Code. The album was released through Agonia Records in February 2015. "Augur Nox (2013)" was more or less a new beginning for the band as only founding member/main composer/guitarist Aort remains from the lineups who recorded the first two albums. Stylistically "Augur Nox (2013)" was still relatively similar in style to the two predecessors though, which meant a semi-progressive black metal style featuring both raspy and clean vocals. Listening to "Mut" it's safe to say that Code has taken a left turn...

...as they now play a dark progressive post rock style with no black metal leanings other than the bleak depressive atmosphere. To my ears it sounds like the bastard child of Virus and Anekdoten sprinkled with a twist of Hail Spirit Noir. The raspy black metal style vocals are now completely gone from the band's music, and lead vocalist Wacian solely performs his haunted clean vocals. The only exception is a short aggressive vocal part in "Affliction". As mentioned the atmosphere is bleak and the whole thing comes off as slightly abstract. Dissonant open chords, mellotron, a raw organic sound, soaring melancholic vocal melodies, and great dynamic playing. It's quite heavy at times, but not in a "metal" fashion, but more in the vein of heavy progressive rock like Anekdoten and Landberk (King Crimson could be mentioned as a reference too). At other times it's pretty mellow and beautiful (the mellotron is a great touch). Tracks like "Dialogue" and "Affliction" also features some rather dramatic sections, so all in all the music is dynamically varied.

While the material on the 9 track, 35:44 minutes long album is arguably progressive in nature, the tracks aren't especially long, and the song structures aren't overtly complex. It's still quite innovative and adventurous music though, and a surprise is always lurking around the corner. Upon conclusion it's a very interesting development of sound that Code has made on "Mut". All three preceeding releases are also high quality albums, but there's something a bit more special about this one. If you enjoy any of the above mentioned artists, "Mut" is definitely a recommendable release, and quality wise it's top notch release too, featuring high level musicianship, a well sounding organic production, and intriguing songwriting. A 4.5 star (90%) rating is deserved.