Origin : Austria
Genre : Black Death Metal
Release : 2014
Album Info / Review
Intro:
Belphegor, the Austrian purveyors of blackened death metal, have long carved a niche for themselves with their unapologetically blasphemous lyrical themes and a sound that is as brutal as it is ritualistic. “Conjuring The Dead,” their seventh studio album released in 2014, stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to sonic annihilation and thematic depravity. From the initial dissonant chords to the final, guttural gasp, this album is a deliberate descent into a realm of sonic terror, offering no respite and demanding total submission from the listener. It’s an exercise in controlled chaos, where every blast beat and every guttural roar is meticulously placed to inflict maximum auditory damage.
Track Analysis:
“Conjuring The Dead” opens with the title track, a slow-burning inferno that builds with a suffocating atmosphere. The guitars churn with a malevolent groove, punctuated by Helmuth’s signature guttural snarls that sound like they are being dredged from the deepest abyss. The drums, handled with precision by Marthus, are a relentless force, shifting from thunderous double-bass assaults to more intricate, tribalistic patterns that evoke ancient rites. “Sanctus Diabolus” immediately ups the ante with a blistering pace. The riffs are sharper, more aggressive, and the drumming is a whirlwind of controlled fury, showcasing Marthus’s technical prowess without sacrificing raw power. The solos here are not flashy displays of virtuosity but rather discordant shrieks and wails that perfectly complement the album’s overall sense of unease.
“Lucifer, King of My Heart” injects a dose of unholy groove into the proceedings. The tempo shifts are expertly executed, allowing moments of crushing heaviness to breathe before erupting back into full-blown sonic warfare. The bassline, often a buried element in extreme metal, is surprisingly prominent here, providing a thick, menacing foundation. “Nahabu” is a more atmospheric and brooding piece, allowing for moments of unsettling quiet before unleashing its venomous attack. The production on this track, in particular, highlights the band’s ability to craft a palpable sense of dread.
“Legion of Perverts” is a brutal, no-holds-barred assault. The blast beats are relentless, the vocals are a constant barrage of guttural pronouncements, and the guitars are a razor-sharp instrument of destruction. This track embodies the raw, unadulterated aggression that Belphegor is known for. “Dust, Blood and Conspiracy” offers a slight variation, with a more pronounced melodic sensibility woven into its brutal tapestry. The guitar melodies, while still dark and dissonant, add a layer of complexity that elevates the track beyond mere sonic bludgeoning.
“The Devil’s Son” is a mid-tempo crusher, driven by a colossal riff that feels like it was forged in the fires of hell. The vocal delivery is particularly commanding on this track, radiating an aura of pure evil. “Gas Mask” is a relentless sonic onslaught, characterized by its sheer speed and aggression. The interplay between the guitars and drums is particularly noteworthy, creating a feeling of being caught in a maelstrom of destruction. The album concludes with “Baphomet,” a fittingly epic and ritualistic track. It’s a slow, grinding descent into the abyss, filled with atmospheric elements and a sense of finality, leaving the listener drained but undeniably impressed by the sheer sonic force.
Conclusion:
“Conjuring The Dead” is a masterclass in modern blackened death metal. Belphegor has managed to refine their sound, delivering an album that is both crushingly heavy and meticulously crafted. The production is sharp and powerful, allowing every instrument to shine while maintaining a raw, unpolished edge. The thematic consistency is unwavering, creating a cohesive and immersive experience. This is an album that rewards repeated listens, revealing new layers of brutality and atmosphere with each spin. It’s a testament to Belphegor’s enduring legacy and their ability to consistently deliver potent and uncompromising extreme metal.
Rating: 9/10
Highlight Track: Legion of Perverts
