Album review: Polemicist – Return of the Sophist (2021)

 

Polemicist – Return of the Sophist

Pennsylvania / USA

Hessian Firm

French label, Hessian Firm, has a predisposition toward unearthing some of the most innovative, yet killer bands in the underground, and you can always expect nothing but top-tier releases from said label. That brings us to Polemicist: a black/death duo (employing some session members) from Pennsylvania that will release their second album “Return of the Sophist” on June 25^th, through Hessian Firm.

Intro “Dirthyramb” inaugurates this disc on a calm note before “The Way To Delphi” kicks the album in high gear, with harrowing vocals and a mournful guitar ambience composed of melodic underpinnings and incisive drums (notably played by Pendath of Mefitis fame). The music isn’t particularly technical, yet so full of emotion and depth, that you will be entranced by its mystic aura. Polemicist aims for a sound that is not typically heard in metal nowadays, with compositions that are catchy, energetic, and full of interesting ideas and textures.

“The Cave of Gaia” is a monstrous track with powerful melodies and an atmosphere that will compel you to the dark side. There’s definitely some hints of progressive rock in their sound, which are skilfully integrated, including the fact that there are some really excellent solos scattered throughout the album. I like this kind of melodic black/death metal. It’s atmospheric and easy to get into. It’s not plastic sounding, which makes it appeal to a more underground audience. In fact, I would put this in the same category as their label mates Mefitis, since both bands employ similar aesthetics, and can be categorized under the “dark metal” umbrella. This album is definitely no one track pony and features a great deal of variety, which gives it a lot of value in repeated listens, paired with how well everything is arranged.

“Return of the Sophist” is a purely awesome album and could easily be regarded as one of the highlights of the year, offering us an emphatically well-crafted palette of black/death metal brimming with darkness and passion. (HT)

Album review: Sárnes – None More Black (2019)

 

Sárnes – None More Black

Vermont / USA

Born For Burning Productions

Sárnes is a duo hailing from Vermont/USA playing raw black metal, featuring a member from Shitangel (previously reviewed here) on vocals/guitars. “None More Black” is their debut album and was released by Born For Burning Productions. 

The 10 tracks that make up “None More Black” are comprised of utterly harsh vocals, cold riffs and mediocre drum beats befitting of the music. It’s not terribly original per se, but conjured with such a level of unwavering passion that it makes terms like “originality” seem redundant. The album is encumbered with everything fans of true black metal will enjoy. There’s a nice deal of variety throughout, since no track on this release sounds quite like the other, all the while maintaining a misanthropic mood. Some may find the production a bit thin, but for me it’s perfect for the style they play – raw, yet powerful in the entire mix. The whole album is shrouded in a verily cold, unfriendly atmosphere, which makes it a joy to listen to. It doesn’t pander to any sissy trends and it doesn’t care if you like it or not. The only thing it cares about is seeing the human race six-feet under.

Overall, this album probably won’t get any accolades for being terribly ground-breaking, nor will it be revered as modern classic; however, it does get props for being a thoroughly enjoyable and filthy slap of raw black metal madness. (HT)

Favourite tracks:

Scythe

Desecrate All Shrines

Obsidian Tomb

EP review: Bestial Entity - Treason Of The Dead (2021)

 

Bestial Entity - Treason Of The Dead

Greece

Fistbang Records 

Bestial Entity, a duo from Greece, unleash their monstrous and crushing four-track EP called “Treason Of The Dead” via Fistbang Records.

These maniacs are adept at playing dark and sepulchral black/death that sounds like a mix between bands like Pseudogod, Resurgency and Hate Manifesto. The atmosphere on this release is purely blasphemous and will chill you to the bone. The guitar tone is deliciously filthy, with riffs that sound like they emanate from the abyss, paired with a thunderous and cohesive percussion that is able to switch from mid-tempo to blasts with absolute ease. Deep and menacing growls are perfectly integrated into the mix, not too loud, nor too soft, and really add depth to the overall assault. The production is also very good and gives clarity to the performance.

It’s a fairly short EP, yet an utterly convincing representation of what the group is all about. If you enjoy the amalgamation of styles between black, death and war metal, then this will no doubt tickle your fancy. “Treason Of The Dead” features 9 minutes of pure unholy black/death terror. Hopefully a full-length will manifest at some point. Recommended. (HT)

Album review: Haunter - Sacramental Death Qualia (2019)

Haunter - Sacramental Death Qualia 

Texas / USA

I, Voidhanger Records

Haunter, a four-piece band hailing from San Antonio, Texas, plays progressive black/death metal on their second full-length album, “Sacramental Death Qualia,” which was released by Italy’s I, Voidhanger. There’s a good deal of variety to be found on this album. The songs are quite lengthy, with the shortest track being around 7 minutes and longest track 12 minutes.

Musically, their sound bears resemblance to bands such as Opeth, Blut Aus Nord, Akercocke, etc. As a whole, the performance on this album is quite proficient, and shows a group with a knack for well-crafted compositions and an atmosphere that is nothing short of epic. The album is nicely balanced between extreme and more somber moments. When it’s heavy, it’s pretty damn heavy. The band also has a penchant for haunting clean acoustics, rendering to the overall prog vibe.

“Sacramental Death Qualia” is idiomatic to the kind of strange, experimental, and ominous metal that I, Voidhanger specializes in, and that can be a good thing or bad thing, depending on your taste. Personally, I’m quite fond of Haunter’s take on progressive metal, since they are able to retain a dark intonation and do not sound overly self-indulgent. It’s a prime example of the style done right. A highlight from 2019. (HT) 

Demo review: Brood In Black - Black Unholy Mass (2021)

Brood In Black – Black Unholy Mass

Kentucky, USA

Blasfemas Records

Brood In Black hail from from the city of Lancaster (there’s another Lancaster in England, but the weather looks a bit crappy there) situated in Kentucky, USA, and the aptly titled “Black Unholy Mass” is their latest offering of pure unadulterated black metal darkness.

Brood In Black are one of those bands that’s 100% loyal to the spirit of old-school black metal. They evoke an atmosphere that takes us back to the first and second wave of black metal with a sound reminiscent of bands like Beherit, Countess, Bathory, etc. That’s not to say that Brood In Black is some boring, uninspired clone of the aforementioned bands; they do their thing well and I happen to enjoy this kind of no-frills, straight-forward black metal, and in the case of Brood In Black, they execute their craft with absolute zeal and fervour. The overall length of "Black Unholy Mass” exceeds the 30 minute mark, which is quite a satisfying duration for a demo.

Performance-wise, the songs are pretty simple and by no means technical, but that’s also one of the band’s strong points. The vocals are appropriately raw, evil, and full of acrimony which gives the music a really unsettling feel. Everything goes together decidedly well, whether it’s the inventive drum fills, the skull-grating buzzsaw riffs, or the venom-spitting vocals.

If you think words like “raw” and “simplistic” are a warning flag for “unprofessional”, then avoid this at all costs – especially if you’re a hipster who think it’s cool to listen to black metal after watching the abominable Lords Of Chaos film. This is about as austere, bleak, bitter and unoriginal as any black metal you can find, but that’s the fucking beauty of it. There’s absolutely no compromise for trends. (HT)

Album review: Human Serpent – Heirlooms Eternal (2021)

Human Serpent – Heirlooms Eternal

Greece

The Scars of Millions Proselytism

This is my first encounter with Human Serpent, a trio hailing from Central Greece playing furious black metal with a melodic touch. The band formed in 2012 and “Heirlooms Eternal” is their fourth album. 

I’m surprised I haven’t heard of them before, but then again, it’s difficult keeping track of all the killer bands coming out. Human Serpent is certainly not an amateurish band, and have already procured a position for themselves in the Greek underground scene as an elite band carrying the torch for true Hellenic black metal.

One of the first things I’ve noticed about their music is the overwhelming display of powerful melodies, yet somehow the band still manage to sound emphatically heavy at the same time. It’s an auspicious combination that works. Everything sounds perfectly balanced, whether it’s the performance or the production. The atmosphere on this album is absolutely mind-crushing and steeped in melancholia.

Human Serpent definitely has a sound of their own. So in that respect it’s quite tricky to make comparisons. I’ll just add that they definitely have a bit of that old-school Hellenic black metal in their sound and that the musicians are quite accomplished, with the guitarist delivering a solid arsenal of riffs that will put a smile on anyone’s face into true iron-clad black metal that’s all about the riffs. The songs are mostly fast and fierce as could be desired, featuring hard-hitting drums, venomous bass-lines, soul-shattering guitars, and hateful vocals.

On the balance, “Heirlooms Eternal” is 8 tracks of pure Hellenic fury and well-worth your time if you like well-executed black metal with a majestic and crushing atmosphere. (HT)

Album review: Chestcrush - Vdelygmia (2021)

Chestcrush - Vdelygmia

Scotland

Independent

A while ago I reviewed the UK-based (originally from Greece) band Chestcrush’s killer 4-track demo, and now it’s time to review their debut full-length called “Vdelygmia” which will be out 14^th July.

Musically, the sound on this album can be described as an amalgamation of blackened death, sludge and grindcore. The whole thing is pretty ferocious and seems to hit on themes pertaining to mental health and the current political/theocratical situation in Greece. In comparison to their demo, Chestcrush seems to have taken it up a notch with a greater level of technicality and heaviness, with an outcome that is more extreme than the previous release. Tempos are all over the place, ranging from crushing mid-paced parts to fast and relentless blasting. One of the band’s strengths is that you can hear all the instruments, and when combined, you realise just how absolutely crushing it all sounds. The atmosphere is totally nightmarish and feels like one hellish fever dream. The vocals are totally overpowering, mixing mid-range, savage bellows with black metal shrieks. The production works perfectly for the assemblage of genres on display here. The title “Vdelygmia” is a Greek word (originally spelled “Βδελυγμία“) which means “abomination.” it’s a very fitting title in the context of how foreboding and dark the overall atmosphere is on this album. There’s a strong black metal current running in these lads’ veins.

Chestcrush’s brand of sludgy, dark, and dissonant blackened death will leave the listener battered and wanting more. For fans of: Ulcerate, Dragged Into Sunlight, Morbid Angel, etc. (HT)

Demo review: Supayniyux - Aniquilacion de Cristo (2021 Re-release)

Supayniyux - Aniquilacion de Cristo

Ecuador / Switzerland

From Deepest Records

Supayniyux is an Ecuadorian/Swiss black metal band and “Aniquilacion de Cristo” is their demo from 2014 recently re-released on CD format by From Deepest Records.

The music on this demo unfolds over a duration of 27 minutes spanning 5 tracks of over-the-top aural violence. Imagine a mix between bands like Nyogthaeblisz, Svartsyn and Sarcofago – that’s more or less what Supayniyux sounds like. The vocals are ultra abrasive, agonized screams drenched in a crescendo of hellish noise. A barrage of hyper-charged riffs bombard the listener at every turn, constructed of basic chord progressions and melodic sensibilities that mesh well with the all-out chaos. The sound on this demo is undoubtedly raw, but not so much to the point where it detracts from the overall quality of the songs, since one is able to follow the riffs and drums, regardless of the heavy layer of distortion that encompass this demo. This whole release embodies a sense of urgency and rage, which is perfectly captured in its apocalyptic fury.

Favourite tracks:

Era de Semen y Sangre

Muriendo En El Horizonte

Overall, this is raw and chaotic black metal done right and a killer demo to boot. Supayniyux is pure black metal madness for black metal fans pure. Recommended! (HT)

Interview: Slaughtbbath (2021)

The following interview was conducted with Daniel Desecrator from Chilean bestial black death menace, Slaughtbbath. 

Hails. Can you give us an update on the current status of the band?

Everything has been on hold for us since the beginning of last year due to the virus. We had our last album's release national tour and some other dates in Brazil and the States but all had to be canceled. However, we are working on new stuff and some releases. There's a 4 way split CD coming out soon.

Slaughtbbath have been active since 2002 – how do you stay inspired to write and record material on such a consistent basis?

Me and the guitarist began the band in 2002 but we have been really active recording demos and playing live since 2005 by the time our drummer joined and we got a stable line up. We were very young when we started so having this band is something quite natural for us. We don't have any obligation with it so when there's no more energy or inspiration the band will just cease to exist.

What can you tell us about your last full-length "Alchemical Warfare" and the inspiration behind the title? Are you happy with the final result?

Well the inspiration for the title, as a lot of our music, comes from the mighty Slayer but of course you can find a lot of symbolic meaning of Alchemy and Warfare within the lyrics of most of the tracks. There are always a lot of details that could be improved but for what's done we are satisfied.

Slaughtbbath's music radiates pure destructive fury – what are some of the factors resulting in such an harsh sound?

Being actually angry and furious instead of faking it!

How did you initially come up with the name Slaughtbbath and what does it mean?

It's a combination of the words 'Slaughter' and 'Sabbath'.

Musically, what are some of your biggest influences?

Slayer, Sepultura, Sarcófago, Kreator, Mayhem, Darkthrone, Morbid Angel, etc.

Do you agree with the philosophical sentiment of life being inherently meaningless? What gives you purpose?

Each individual gives existence it's own meaning. Before philosophers we are animals of survival and instinct. Instead of asking yourself what's the purpose ask yourself what keeps you enslaved of not doing what you desire.

What is your stance on progression in black/death – should the genre be pushed forward or do you prefer stagnation as opposed to bands stepping outside the usual confines of what has already been established?

I couldn't care less to be honest, politics, ethics and morals in music and art in general is not my thing. To each his own.

Can you tell us something about your artwork and profession as a tattoo artist? Are there any artists that had an influence on the development of your style?

For sure there's a lot of artists that have influenced me and helped me to develop my technique and style. I can name Doré, Bosch, Goya, Giger, etc. At the moment I'm working with many bands on their artwork, some of them are Druid Lord, Perversion, Profanatica, Nihilo, Qrixkuor, Perdition Temple, Varathron, Ruinous, etc. Regarding tattooing, that's my main job and I have been doing it for many years. It has also given me the chance to visit many countries.

Does sentiments like "the underground is dead" have any relevance to you? What is the true underground in your opinion?

No, and I must say I haven't even heard something like that. Underground just means doing stuff as you want and as you can first and not for the masses in my opinion.

Lastly, what's next for Slaughtbbath and when can we see some new material manifest? Thanks for your time!

I already said some of our plans. We can only wait for this stupid worldwide situation to change so we can return to play live and tour. Thanks for having us in your ‘zine. Cheers

Album review: Northern - Cabin Fever (2021)

 

Northern – Cabin Fever

New Hampshire / USA

Sinistrari Records

Northern (formerly known as Cold Northern Vengeance) will soon release their second full-length album entitled “Cabin Fever” via Sinistrari Records. 

The latest album from these New Hampshire harbingers of death is a cold and furious blast of gut-wrenching pagan/black metal darkness that will unequivocally raise a few dead souls. The atmosphere on this album is morose and beautifully melancholic, which is ideal for a snowy and isolated winter setting. Deep and abrasive howls are belched out atop an array of glacial riffs and swift, well-executed drums. The vocals are effectively delivered, powerful and quite comprehensible. The production is unpolished and veritably raw, which is quite fitting to the overall atmosphere. Tempo-wise, it ranges from fast to mid-pace to slower, more brooding passages. Each song on this album sounds like it was recorded in one take, which adds to its charm. However, the production does sound a little inconsistent on some of the tracks.

“Cabin Fever” is one of those albums you need to listen to when you’re alone in the woods with a couple of beers, or just taking a hike on a cold day. Don’t mistake it for some fruity post-black metal outfit. The tone is rancid and grim.

Clocking at 25+ minutes, the 7 songs on “Cabin Fever” will certainly tickle your fancy if you like cold, harrowing black/death with a frosty aura. (HT)