Released just under a month ago, and another result of me playing “catch-up” on my mailbox, Belphegor‘s Conjuring the Dead is a wonderful piece of doomy black metal with incredible atmosphere.
Whereas many bands of their genre just go all out with the blast beats and sheer face-pummelling noise, Belphegor have opted to dress these up with an orchestral tone surrounding the heavier material and the end result is impressive. Don’t worry, the fast & furious material is well and truly present, but it’s made all the better by sitting alongside clanging church bells and haunting acoustic guitar.
Helmuth and Serpenth – the core of the band – have been ed by Marthyn on drums and Schoft on strings for the album recording. “Legions of Destruction” features guest vocals from none other than Glen Benton and Mayhem‘s Atilla.
I often find black/extreme metal a bit samey. Belphegor have created something – to me – much more accessible and enjoyable. It’s every bit as dark, depraved and foul as this genre should be – but they’ve added an extra layer of horror.
Definitely one to look for if your idea of a church visit is sometime around midnight while carrying a flaming torch. Check out the title track below.
Track list:
- Gasmask Terror 3:41
- Conjuring the Dead 4:33
- In Death 4:12
- Rex Tremendae Majestatis 5:21
- Black Winged Torment 3:26
- The Eyes 1:19
- Legions of Destruction 4:28
- Flesh Bones and Blood 3:31
- Lucifer, Take Her! 2:48
- Pactum In Aeternum 3:18
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