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I’ve been keeping an eye on Chicago’s Black September since their first few releases, a few obscure splits and EPs from a couple of years back. For those not in the know, Black September play an infectiously catchy form of semi-melodic blackened death metal, firmly straddling the line between the two genres with good musicianship, catchy riffs, a harsh tone, and a mysterious, atmospheric touch.

The promise the band hinted at on the early releases resulted in their first full-length, The Forbidden Gates Beyond, an album soon snatched up by Prosthetic Records after their signing of Black September.


Black September’s latest album, Into The Darkness Into The Void, the first proper release by Black September for Prosthetic Records, pretty much picks up where The Forbidden Gates Beyond left off.

Catchy riffs, a nice blend of brutality and melody, a dark atmosphere, and powerful rasps from vocalist Jen Pickett anchor the band’s sound. It’s an amalgam of classic bands such as Dissection and more recent acts such as Mgla and even Watain, but without the overbearing histrionics.

Into The Darkness Into The Void is a good album, but is probably not the breakout album that Black September would need to separate themselves from the myriad of other bands treading the same semi-melodic waters.

Songs are catchy and enjoyable as you listen, but are not overly infectious or memorable, a trait that I was definitely looking for in Black September’s second full-length album. In short, though solid, Into The Darkness Into The Void is not a standout.

Once again, the promise of Black September is apparent on Into The Darkness Into The Void, but is not yet quite fulfilled.

(released September 25, 2012 on Prosthetic Records)



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