Well, who ever said that Black Metal oughta sound like those old masters down to the monotonous vile rasp and underground sound from back in the ’90s? Right, nobody. Apart from some purists perhaps that may still populate the smelly underbelly of the mighty metal multiverse.
But I daresay, variety is sorely needed in this bloodied realm of undead things and unspeakable horrors. A genre that adores its traditions and doesn’t take well to change. Even if some veterans made laudable efforts to the contrary without leaving their sacred grounds of long-gone times.
But there’s more on offer. The Swedes from Nazghor brought us some fresh hellish wind into an often stale selection of cookie-cutter style Black Metal records. Their newest record Seventh Secular Crusade truly takes the idea of Melodic Black Metal to another level. First, Nekhrid‘s relentless vocal attack made us take a step back. You won’t get yer usual vile high-pitched BM rasp. Instead, the vocals greet you with a triad of throaty croaks, some shouted vocals,1 and a few grating screams. That fact already stopped us in our tracks and made us return to the dark well for more.
Then, you got the seething hot riffing and an endless tremolo fest that greets ye at all corners of the record. That’s the proverbial red meat to any lover of blackened metal art. But this here record isn’t just all pure BM. Because suddenly, thrash and death metal vibes will surge forward in a no-nonsense fashion. Just check out the neat Fulminating Fire. In addition, the old heavy metallers over here got a kick out of the vocalist screaming “Fire…” at any odd moment on that track. The action just vividly reminded us of cannon-laden events way back in the past. Ain’t it, AC/DC?
And strangely, Seventh Secular Crusade reminded us of those brutal Death Metal records of late. Only this time, the record worships the blackened realm of the metal multiverse with a merciless assault that is often breathtaking and truly relentless. Yet again, the band managed to install enough melodics into their tune to keep things interesting (Beyond The Grave, for instance). Lest they would descend into the fiery pit of no return where the scorched souls of lost metal dwell. And it’s really well done with a fine balance between slam-laden alloy and some symphonic streaks at certain moments.
Now, that doesn’t take away from the abject fury the album so aptly displays. Just take Primordial Lineage that comes along as barebone as it darkly glows with brutal ferocity until it disintegrates into melodic atmospherics later on. This track could easily serve as a soundtrack for any dreaded Dracula movie still to come. When the beast finally emerges from its cave, like.
There truly aren’t many negatives on this haven for crusading metallists. If anything, all those atrocities thrown yer way will after a while start to wear on you. That said, a slight attack of the repetition bug also becomes palpable after about mid-point. And it’s not that there isn’t variation in there, far from it. But the tracks display a tendency to merge into some sort of fiendish amalgam that just rolls over you. A great metallic mass of much of the same muchness. Just sayin’.
Finally, however, Seventh Secular Crusade gets us a flavor of Black Metal in a new robe. Stellar meaty riffing, proficient solos here and there, and a neatly arranged orchestration will make sure you don’t get bored. So, if you got a taste for a high-octane Black Metal experience, this is your record. Lift your sword and heft yer shield to march forward to meet the dark forces of evil. With this soundtrack in your ears to egg you on, you can’t lose. We promise.
Ed’s note: Want more? Check out the malevolent 2022 series!
Record Rating: 7/10 | Label: Self-Released | Web: Official Band Site
Release Date: 25 November 2022
- This often reminded me of Cirith Ungol‘s pitiless hollers. Different style, same approach.-↩