MGLA - With Hearts Toward None CD

With Hearts Toward None is usually seen as a modern black metal album. I do think it's set a new standard for some contemporary artists to replicate, but it's better defined as timeless. The current trend in black metal seems to be to cluster up the sound with as much stimulation as a band can muster. The fact that Mgła sound so simple only works to their benefit. It's easy to impress a listener when you have the standard bells and whistles at your side. But strip that all away, and you're only left with the essence. From there, there's no hiding the fact of whether the material is bad. With Hearts Toward None is one of the most focused albums I've ever heard. It's a shame I don't think Exercises in Futility came close to knocking it off its throne.