Exercises in Futility is the third studio album by Polish black metal band Mgła. It was released on 4 September 2015, through Northern Heritage Records.[1] Featuring "a raw, melodic black metal" style that was compared to those of Watain and early Burzum,[2] the album is regarded as "the biggest and most impactful release of the band's 15-year career."[3] The front cover features an artwork from French engraver Marcel Roux, titled L'aveugle ("The blind", 1908).[4]
| Exercises in Futility | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 4 September 2015 | |||
| Genre | Black metal | |||
| Length | 42:12 | |||
| Label | Northern Heritage | |||
| Mgła chronology | ||||
| ||||
The band embarked a North American tour following the album's release.[1]
Critical reception edit
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Pitchfork | 7.8/10[5] |
Exercises in Futility was met with positive responses. Andy O'Connor of Pitchfork praised the album, stating, "Mgła are the true heirs to Dissection's style of black metal; the melodies are huge without dipping into the saccharine." O'Connor further stated: "Mgła's accomplished performance on Futility transforms the lyrical content into a call to action."[5]
Exercise in Futility was listed as number 8 on Pitchfork's "The Best Metal Albums of 2015" list.[2]
Track listing edit
- "Exercises in Futility I" – 7:58
- "Exercises in Futility II" – 7:48
- "Exercises in Futility III" – 4:37
- "Exercises in Futility IV" – 4:45
- "Exercises in Futility V" – 8:15
- "Exercises in Futility VI" – 8:49
Personnel edit
- Mikołaj "M." Żentara – guitar, bass, vocals, recording
- Maciej "Darkside" Kowalski – drums, recording
References edit
- ^ a b Sperry-Fromm, Rob (5 October 2015). "Mgla streaming new album 'Exercises In Futility,' touring, playing NYC's Martyrdoom Fest". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
- ^ a b Stosuy, Brandon (21 December 2015). "The Best Metal Albums of 2015". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on 29 February 2016. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
- ^ Kelly, Kim. "Hey Black Metal Fans, You're Welcome: Mgla's 'Exercises In Futility' Is Now Streaming In Its Entirety". Vice. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
- ^ "Musée Marcel ROUX : Ouvrage 3".
- ^ a b O'Connor, Andy (13 October 2015). "Mgła – Exercises in Futility". Pitchfork. Retrieved 20 January 2016.