The professional composers offer their neophyte in the mindset of the modern and industrial style of atmospheric black metal and as a result of these appealing elements the electronic synth spews forth on the opening intro ‘Prelude’. The instruments like the drums and the guitars contrast with a vibrant zeal. The musical themes are built on harmonious balance, the guitars sound powerful and create effective dark moments in the following song ‘Endless’.

Although Modern Rites isn’t a standard type of black metal: the riffing mostly flows in the heavier spectrum when combined with an aggressive drumming section. While the role of the synthesizer is kept minimal, it creates a feeling of a freezing atmosphere, and with the use of the guitar it boasts a refined musical piece in the track ‘Lost Lineage’.

The duo in Modern Rites has shown potential on the debut full-length album ‘Monuments’. This is to say that none of the newer songs resemble the baroque style of the Swiss Aara or the typical aggressive style of Taubrą. Instead the duo focuses on showcasing their art. The industrial elements are subtly used within the songs blending them into one harmonious unity. These unexpected moments work better in shorter passages, but there is a push to infuse aggressive drumming and tremolo-picked riffs in songs like ‘Veil of Opulence’ which in my opinion is impressively played.

The songwriting highlights the use of the driven riffs in providing a contemplative atmosphere, chugging and blast beats are on repetition. Otherwise, the song is well-crafted and offers plenty of hooks from the black metal rasps. The fabulous synth section midway through the track shows the band’s musical wits and further builds on dark gloomy passages as the chuggy riffs burst into thick tremolo-picked riff attacks with the relentless blast beats.

The electronic/industrial vibes ultimately change the flow of the songs. This denotes that Modern Rites likes to experiment on several occasions. The beating of the electronic drums and the atmospheric synth is emphasized on ‘Becoming’. The duo has created a niche for themselves on the sophomore. The combination of plodding riffs and rough industrial elements comes close to the style of  a band like Samael.

This spacey setting of the song develops into cohesive thick guitars, dark cosmic synth and menacing vocals. Modern Rites hints at an avant-garde style while simultaneously injecting ambient soundscapes into the music. Moreover, Katalyst and Archytekt exhibit variable sonic widths and perhaps these avant-garde niches are best emphasized in ‘For Nothing’. The sound somehow recalls some unfamiliar project bands such as Ice Ages and Korova. The synth provides a surreal texture to the heavy guitar barrages and the organic beating of the drums.

The guitars are even crunchier in this track, with raw drumming effects and pulsating synth waves, slow echoes fading into the atmosphere. Where the aggressively driven riffs double the effect of the blast beats with the raspy growls amplified with distorted riffs, this is just marvelous and highly catchy track that would please the ears.

The final two songs ‘Autonomy’ and the closing song ‘Philosophenweg’ are expressive and full of hooks as they explore high musical standards and unique ideas that shape flawless song structures and methods.

The extraordinary level of creating beautiful melodies and aggression shows how resilient the instruments are in providing lush synth and lofty guitar arrangements. These two songs feature some ethereal, modern soundscapes and shimmering guitar melodies. The latter is a revolutionary statement from the duo. The track starts slowly with an electro beat when the guitar presents a dark, sonic flavor to the mysterious notes of the synth sounding like a midnight crescendo so ominous and menacing.

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