Review Summary: Exceptional work from the polish blackened death metal overlords
After battling with leukemia, Nergal pulled through and came back stronger than ever. It seems he has a more mature take on his viewpoints displayed in this album, as it's not just talking about how 'Slaves Shall Serve' etc. This album is death metal, but with black metal influences, so if you're looking for a raw sound, you'll be disappointed. The album is polished, but not to an overwhelming extent. The production is impeccable, and is as atmospheric, while being absolutely brutal.
The album opens with a bang strong enough to implode your face. 'Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel' is absolutely fantastic, and sets the tone of the album very nicely. You'll know if you like the album just from this track. Inferno is a god on drums, giving you varied technical flourishes of beats. But what really wins me over is that I can actually hear the bass. In a death metal record? Wow right? On top of that, it sounds nice too. This can be heard on that absolutely massive drop on 'Ora Pro Nobis Lucifer', when the deep bass is paired with the drum kit to create a huge sound, follows by Nergal's unique growl.
You'll find there are a couple of forgettable tracks on here, namely 'Amen' and 'In the Absence Ov Light'. Let's get one thing clear, these are not bad tracks, but they lack the unique qualities the others possess, such as the explosive opening of Messe noire when you hear the words, "I believe in Satan". Yeah, that stuck in my head pretty well, mostly making me notice that the satanic vibes have increased colossally since 'Evangelion'. I don't mind that at all, even though I'm an atheist, because it shows passion.
The album ends with the best track. The atmosphere of this song is unforgettable, and the blasphemy is overwhelming. As well as it being musically exceptional, it carries a very valuable message. It shows how someone like Nergal, a legend, can still be in a struggle and have to beg for power to change the world for the better. Everyone struggles sometimes, so it doesn't mean you're weak when you're in a bad way. Very deep indeed, but that's what makes this album special. If you haven't heard it yet, I highly suggest you do, as i can safely say it's secured it's place as one of my favorite albums of all time.
