This is a vinyl only debut release for these Norwegians, on a label which specializes in 'non-commercial black metal', so credentials and commitment are established right there: you don't pick that route for any reason other than love of the genre.
First track 'Casus Gloria' is a good, solid opener but nothing more. Very much a straight forward Norwegian sound of cold, scything riffs and drum battery. To the point, no frills stuff. 'Sar Ha-Olam' however begins to thread Saligia's character a little more strongly. The slightly echoing vocals, snarling, growling and calling out with the rhythmic drums and eerie guitars begin to summon an unhinged atmosphere reminiscent of a less eccentric Ruins Of Beverast. It plays with a little piercing leadwork, too, topping off a fine song.
For all this light and shade, it is still unrelenting stuff in a very traditional style; the blasts of darkness give way to more ominous, midpaced riffs and back again. The vocals rise to tortured sermons. 'Womb Caverns' and 'Orb Of Flesh' flirt with twists of Immortal in the riff and basically beat you with iron as the mad priest intones descriptions of agonies to come over the relentless assault.
The bitter 'Shed Old Skin' adds sharper edges to the guitars, a whirling attack that has a rather compelling refrain and a bludgeoning exit that 'Blood Staineth' finishes off with a bout of efficient brutality.
' Upon The Altar' closes the album with a more midpaced, even melancholy tone with the expressive vocals shining once more. It is th kind of song that makes you want to still and quiet for a while. Probably the best song here.
Criticisms? Not much too criticize if you want orthodox black metal. The songs are around the six or seven minute mark but the album doesn't feel as though it's too long. There isn't a huge variation in pace throughout but individual songs use what there is well enough and the vocals add style. There is no wavering from the traditional template but that would seem to be their aim.
No there is nothing ' new' here, but give me focus and this level of songwriting and playing over new for the sake of newany day.
So traditional, yes, but well played and the variations within the structure are very promising and interesting for a first release. Don't forget that; this is a debut not some ' supergroup' project and it's better than a couple of those I've heard this year.
You want trve black metal? Take a peek inside, you might be surprised.
http://www.saligia.info
Gizmo
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