Australia has one of the most astonishingly excellent Extreme Metal scenes on the planet, so when I get some Black Metal sent to me from there, you better believe I am reviewing it. This is the upcoming full length from WARDAEMONIC, out via Transcending Obscurity Records on March 20th.
Darkened eerie ambience starts out before ferocious blastbeats and dissonant guitars bring in a frenzied assault of punishingly harsh yet incredibly well proceed Black Metal. The experimental nature of the music is utterly crushing with a malignant instrumental and vocal display that is not only fiercely well performed but also feels totally visceral in execution. With some drawn out elements adding a tense suspense, these parts never become overused or tapered out for the hell of it, making sure a devastating onslaught is never far away. With drum work that is practically inhuman and equally marvellous guitar attacks, there is a perfect foundation for the maniacal vocalist to go absolutely insane, which is definitely done plentifully. This album is not only spectacularly brutal but it is extremely unhinged and twisted, giving a uniquely warped and convulsive approach to their blackened art with utmost violence. I think this has to be one of the finest examples of a Black Metal album having tons of dissonance and atmosphere while remaining untouched in the more savage elements that pummel you into oblivion. These guys give a totally barbaric five piece album of swirling, chaotic music that will have you headbanging while entirely captivated by the gripping songwriting skills that do not miss a single trick. Amongst the cacophony of blistering blasphemous extremity we are even given some tribal style percussion which further adds to the ritualistic vibes of the album, as if the band have summoned the abyss. Without a wasted moment, this album will drag you into the void and spit you back out while showcasing some of the most hellish soundscapes that are truly impossible to put into words. The band use some ambient spacing to really drive in the sparse dystopian soundscapes of the record while never feeling like they are stalling for time, only expanding the albums already harshly intense music. Fast, scathing and abrasive while absolutely clear and astonishingly well done, this is some memorable material that really deserves to be recognised for the unique and monstrous Black Metal that it is, a total monolith of chaotic brilliance and Extreme Metal mastery. Prepare to be singed by scorching riffs, decimating blastbeats, unholy roaring vocals and pounded into annihilation. -8.5/10
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