Following the successful release of Meridians of Sacrifice—the split album by Koreltsak and Kommodus—our second collaboration with the Japanese-American black metal outfit Koreltsak is about to see the light of day.
The title MY SWORD LEANS AGAINST THE SKY is taken from a death poem by the Zen monk Sōki Shunpo (しゅんぽ そうき). The mastermind behind Koreltsak, states that since its inception, Koreltsak has always explored the meaning of death inwardly—focusing particularly on death within the contexts of honor, bloodshed, and the battlefield. The band holds that there is no greater virtue than dying a glorious death, even by one’s own hand, and a death poem is among the few words one can leave behind.
MY SWORD LEANS AGAINST THE SKY is one of our favorite Koreltsak works. In stark contrast to the musician’s own personality, it boasts a raw black metal style that is sharp and unbridled—teetering on the edge of frenzy yet hurtling forward at a blistering pace. The band seems poised to descend into incoherent chaos at any moment, yet the music is, in fact, extremely tight and brimming with tension. Elements of Japanese folk music and American roots music emerge unexpectedly, adding further layers of gloom and atmosphere.
Available on heavy tip-on jacket with Japanese OBI, black vinyl, limited to 200 copies. The cover unashamedly borrows from the renowned film Lady Snowblood.