Origin : Austria
Genre : Black Death Metal
Release : 2011
Album Info / Review
Intro:
Belphegor, the Austrian purveyors of infernal black/death metal, return with “Blood Magick Necromance,” a sonic conjuration designed to flay the senses and ignite the unholy fires within. This album is not an invitation to pleasantries; it’s a ritualistic descent into the abyss, a calculated assault of guttural ferocity and meticulously crafted darkness. From the opening ritualistic whispers to the final, blasphemous exhalation, “Blood Magick Necromance” solidifies Belphegor’s position as architects of true, unadulterated evil. The production is sharper, the aggression more focused, and the thematic coherence stronger than many of their previous endeavors, presenting a potent distillation of their signature sound.
Track Analysis:
“Rise to the Lonesome Death” opens the album with a chilling spoken-word incantation, an almost liturgical preamble that quickly gives way to a seismic blast of riffing. The guitars churn with a razor’s edge, supported by a bass line that rumbles like an earthquake. Helmuth’s vocals are a primal roar, a visceral expulsion of pure malevolence.
“Impaled Upon the Cross” is a relentless onslaught. The drumming is a furious barrage, each snare hit feeling like a lash. The tremolo-picked riffs are icy and venomous, weaving intricate patterns of despair. The solo is a chaotic, screeching lament, perfectly embodying the track’s themes of religious desecration.
“Bloody Moon Ritual” introduces a more atmospheric, albeit still brutal, element. The keyboards, subtly layered, create a sense of ancient dread, a spectral shroud over the relentless rhythm section. The vocal delivery shifts between guttural growls and piercing shrieks, adding a dynamic layer to the blasphemy.
“Discipline of the Whips” is pure, unadulterated aggression. The tempo is blistering, the riffing is sharp and percussive, and the overall feel is one of unyielding punishment. This track is a prime example of Belphegor’s ability to craft infectious, albeit terrifying, hooks within their sonic savagery.
“Angels of Hell” showcases a more mid-tempo, groove-laden approach. The riffs are heavy and crushing, with a distinct swagger that belies the darkness. The song builds tension effectively, culminating in a powerful, anthemic climax of unholy devotion.
“Ch Cult” is a masterclass in dissonant riffing. The guitars create a jarring, unsettling soundscape, punctuated by moments of sheer sonic brutality. The vocal performance is particularly unhinged here, conveying a sense of profound madness.
“Baphomet” is a slower, more ritualistic track. The atmosphere is thick with occult energy, the guitars weaving a hypnotic, incantatory spell. The drumming is deliberate and powerful, driving the song forward with a sense of impending doom.
“The Devil’s Son” is a ferocious closer. The riffing is sharp and aggressive, the vocals are at their most guttural, and the overall energy is explosive. This track leaves the listener spent, reverberating with the echoes of the album’s dark pronouncements.
Conclusion:
“Blood Magick Necromance” is a triumph of modern black/death metal. Belphegor has honed their craft to a razor’s edge, delivering an album that is both technically proficient and viscerally impactful. The thematic consistency is unwavering, each track contributing to the overarching narrative of occult power and infernal devotion. The production is crisp, allowing every sonic element to breathe and exert its maximum oppressive force. This is an album that demands repeated listens, revealing new layers of darkness with each immersion. Belphegor has not only conjured a masterpiece of malevolence but has solidified their legacy as sonic conjurers of the highest, darkest order.
Rating: 9.5/10
Highlight Track: Impaled Upon the Cross
