France is quietly becoming a hotbed of solid black metal bands (Antaeus, Blut Aus Nord, Deathspell Omega, Arkhon Infaustus, just to name a few), and Glorior Belli are one of the latest groups to emerge from the country proudly displaying the traditional Norwegian roots of the genre but giving it their own spin. Kudos to Southern Lord for unleashing this beast, a murderous eight song album that kills at every turn. Fans of classic Mayhem, Darkthrone, and Watain will absolutely love the evil vocals and rampaging icy cold guitar riffery from Infestvvs, and the relentless blast beats and bass rumbles from drummer Dispater and bassist M:A Fog just crush with menacing intent. Despite all this ferocity, the songs are actually at times pretty melodic and epic sounding. The guitar work of Infestvvs actually has a somewhat symphonic flair to it, reminding almost of the wave of sound that Dark Funeral creates, and his effective riffing propels songs like "Deadly Sparks" and "Severed From the Self" to lofty black metal heights. The title track is literally a 'raging beast", complete with snarling growls, slowed down riffs and pounding rhythms, sounding like a head on collision between Marduk and Dark Funeral, and "Said Lucifer in Twilight" is a fast, furious burner that will pummel the listener into submission.
For a sophomore release, this is outstanding stuff, and shows a band that is fully at ease with their talents, and not afraid to take their classic BM influences one step further. The production is sure to please longtime lovers of the genre-the riffs are cavernous, the vocals have just the right amount of reverb, and the drums are mighty. Southern Lord has a monster on their hands folks-check this one out at all costs!
Track Listing
1) From Darkness There Spring Light
2)Deadly Sparks
3) Sinister Resonance
4) Severed From the Self
5) Manifesting the Raging Beast
6) Said Lucifer in Twilight
7) Serpentine Admonition
8) Altered Verses
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