Dean Blunt - Black Metal

Dean Blunt is a deceiver by trade. Part of the equally elusive Hype Williams, his solo work exists to surprise, mixing harsh concrete blows with gorgeous field recordings in one strange union.

Following last year’s scattered patchwork ‘The Redeemer’, he’s offered the biggest shock so far by settling down into something of a groove. ‘Black Metal’ isn’t short of detours or odd contrasts, but its title is the biggest red-herring of all.

This is an often beautiful record that captures a scatty conscience. Sweeping guitars mix with monotone vocals and fleeting folk motifs.

Its second half is abrasive to the extreme, but by this point the hypnotic album’s already worked its charm. If Blunt is ever to settle into a routine, this should be his blueprint.