Album review: Blood Chalice - The Blasphemous Psalms of Cannibalism (2022)

 

Blood Chalice - The Blasphemous Psalms of Cannibalism

Finland

Werewolf Records  

 

“The Blasphemous Psalms of Cannibalism” is the second opus by Finnish maniacs Blood Chalice. It is essentially a continuation of their vicious black/death, although on this recording they seem to have honed their craft to a considerable degree, with the music sounding fiercer and sicker than before. The production is less polished this time around. There’s some good numbers on here, including a good deal of grind influence. In its essence, the album is utterly extreme, feral, and downright murderous. They also mix it up in terms of speed, ranging from blisteringly fast to robust mid-tempos, which adds a great deal of depth to their attack. In summary, “The Blasphemous Psalms of Cannibalism” is one of my favourite black/death albums from the last few years and radiates pure unhinged violence from beginning to end. Recommended to fans of bands like Black Witchery, Conqueror, and Anima Damnata. Stand-out tracks: “The Last Supper of Insects” “Celestial Destroyer” “Blood Worship”

Album review: Cauchemar - Rosa Mystica (2022)

 

Cauchemar - Rosa Mystica

 

Canada

 

Temple of Mystery Records / Cursed Ritual 

 

 
Cauchemar are probably one of the best bands in modern heavy metal/doom, as every release I’ve heard from them are amazing. The music presented on Cauchemar’s latest album “Rosa Mystica” is nothing short of breathtaking, combining the best of traditional doom and heavy metal with a vibrant production that gives the whole thing a somewhat live essence. Ever since their debut EP, “La Vierge Noire”, Cauchemar has procured a niche for themselves within the underground, and their latest (and third) full-length further cements their consistency and reputation as a band. The French-sung vocals are an integral facet to Cauchemar’s sound, so I’m delighted to see they’ve stayed true to this approach. Stand-out tracks: “Rouge Sang” “Danger De Nuit” “Rosa Mystica” 

Album review: Wrok - De Dood Roept (2022)

Wrok - De Dood Roept

Netherlands

Heidens Hart Records

Dutch purveyors of filth Wrok are back with another full-length of decadent black metal that will push you over the edge once more. “De Dood Roept” (Dutch for “Death calls”) offers 45 minutes of raw, to the core, nightmarish black metal that takes cues from ancient hordes like Bestial Summoning, Samael and Barathrum and transforms those influences into their own brand of twisted, cult black metal. The nine tracks are characterized by primitive tempos and buzzlike riffs so disgusting that it will make your local priest possessed and barf black. Azaghus’ sinister howls complement the evil riffs and ritualistic drumming, creating an atmosphere that effectively conveys a mood of hopelessness. The drums have a nice and crisp sound that gives the music a rehearsal-like quality. Furthermore, the bass contributes to the unholy sound, and blends in seamlessly with everything else. This bears similarities to early Barathrum, where the bass is very noticeable and gives the music a menacing edge. Wrok probably won't appeal to those who favour more accessible metal, but if you like pure black metal that perfectly encapsulates the genre, check it out.

Album review: Church of Disgust - Weakest Is the Flesh (2022)

Church of Disgust - Weakest Is the Flesh

USA

Hells Headbangers Records

 

It’s become increasingly difficult to keep track with Church of Disgust considering the rate at which they bash out quality death metal albums, though it must be emphasized that this is not a band to take lightly. The new album, “Weakest is the Flesh,” hits on all cylinders, offering a malicious assault of chunky old-school filth, with bestial vocals atop tightly-arranged riffs that slaps you harder than a pair of gorilla hands. This is possibly their heaviest work yet, and it absolutely slays. Performance-wise, every instrument is exceptionally well-played and adds to the album’s disgusting odour, including being backed by a production that is (dare I say) perfect for death metal. Indeed, Church of Disgust have once again released a monstrosity of an album that will be a delight for those into grave-desecration, necrophilia, and murder. Stand-out tracks: “That Which Dwells in Gloom” “Humiliated Remains” “Weakest is the Flesh”