Review of Chadarnook - The Subjective Opinion of 2025
There is clearly no shortage of work behind The Subjective Opinion of 2025. Chadarnook is the solo project of Christchurch musician Jakeb Bruce Morgan, who handles the writing, recording, mixing, mastering and release of his material from a home studio. That DIY background is relevant here, because this is an album that relies heavily on atmosphere, arrangement and a willingness to throw quite a lot into the mix.
The opening track, “Scarlet Rot”, sets up the album with an ominous instrumental introduction before the heavier material takes over. Chadarnook works in symphonic black metal territory, but there is a strong theatrical side to the music. Keyboards and effects are not simply sitting in the background as decoration; they help create the grand, gothic character of the songs.
“Forsake Thine Necromance” is one of the stronger examples. Its quiet keyboard opening creates a misleading sense of calm before the vocals and heavier guitars arrive. The contrast works well, particularly when the harsh vocals cut through the arrangement. Elsewhere, “Ventus Ad Caelum” pushes further into chaos, while “Storm” brings out the more gothic and majestic side of the project.
There is quite a lot happening in these songs. Guitars, keyboards, vocals and effects are constantly competing for attention, and Chadarnook clearly isn't interested in keeping the arrangements minimal. At times that density works very well, especially when the different elements reinforce each other rather than simply piling up. The theatrical approach is probably the most distinctive part of the record, giving the material a sense of drama that goes beyond standard symphonic black metal formulas.
The production also deserves credit. Considering that the entire album was recorded and finished in a home studio, The Subjective Opinion of 2025 doesn't come across as a rough sketch or a collection of unfinished ideas. It sounds like a deliberately constructed studio project, with Morgan taking care of every stage himself.
There are some obvious excesses here, but that is hardly surprising given the style. Chadarnook prefers atmosphere, effects and dramatic arrangements over restraint, and listeners looking for stripped-down black metal probably won't find much to grab onto. Those who enjoy the more theatrical side of the genre, however, will find plenty to explore.
The Subjective Opinion of 2025 is an ambitious solo release with a clear personality behind it. It isn't trying to hide its DIY origins, nor does it need to. Morgan has built the whole thing himself, from the first idea to the final release, and the result is a distinctly personal take on symphonic black metal.
https://chadarnook.bandcamp.com/album/the-subjective-opinion-of-2025
