I can’t recall listening to a band from Serbia before or thinking about its musical heritage, but when I discovered this is where Triumfall are from, it somehow didn’t come as a great surprise that they are a Black Metal band. What’s more, they are on the Forces of Satan label. Founded by Gorgoroth’s Infernus, this label only signs bands with a “clear Satanic attitude and commitment”.
To begin with, “Atrium Mortis” has the creepy, lingering feel experienced on Dimmu Borgir’s “For All Tid”. The eeriness leads to a diabolical chorus, complete with the sound of the church bells. After this, “Antithesis of All Flesh” is the musical equivalent of an all-out assault. The obvious comparison for me is pre-symphonic Dimmu Borgir, notably the “Stormblåst” album. At the same time, I’m hearing the blood and thunder of 1349, the darkness of Gehenna and the overall ambiance of Gorgoroth and Enthroned. Accordingly “One with the Darkside Eternal” and the tracks which follow are ferocious and forward-thrusting with blazing guitars and evil intent at all levels. A short symphonic section at the end of “One with the Darkside Eternal” adds intrigue. “Allegiance to they Fall” is less atmospheric but compensates with its ferocity. It’s perhaps not appropriate to describe this album as catchy and melodic but without doubt each track has fluency. Meanwhile the vocalist vomits venom and violence with impunity. “Omega Overcasts the Presence” starts with the methodical tones of “For All Tid”, but what dominates this and the rest of “Antithesis of All Flesh” is the majestic march of darkness. “Within their Midnight” maintains this theme but keeps the assault fresh and interesting with a new riff of diabolical proportions. The mid-paced tempo makes the atmosphere more hostile and threatening. “The Final Purification” is a more difficult track, recalling early Emperor in its turbulence and suitably giving us a vision of chaos to end proceedings.
We’re left in no doubt where we stand with this album. “Antithesis of All Flesh” reinforces its message by being Black, Satanic and representative of evil. It’s smoother than some Black Metal you might hear but that doesn’t mean it lacks passion. It’s well worth a listen.
http://www.myspace.com/triumfall
http://www.forcesofsatan.com
