Azaghal
Teraphim ()
Wydane przez Moribund RecordsRok wydania Kraj FinlandNapisał Wouter7
Since forming in 1995 Finland's Azaghal have hardly rested on their laurels. With 8 albums and more than a dozen splits/EPs to their name they are a true force of nature and give no signs of letting up anytime soon. Offering no novelties compared to past records "Teraphim" is fast black metal in the vein of Marduk, Setherial and Dark Funeral while integrating the typical Finnish melodies underneath the all consuming gloom and doom. Where Narqath's most recent work with Wyrd was disappointing Azaghal have been on a upward spiral since 2005's "Codex Antitheus". The occasional clean vocals, slow and melodic sections and even light use of keyboard don't deter Azaghal from its chosen path. The majority of this record comprises of hellish high speed black metal in the typical scorching Finnish tradition. 'Hänen Musta Liekkinsä' is a good example of Azaghal's slower and more doom-oriented cuts, which has a great acoustic intro as well. The production is fittingly raw while not becoming underproduced in the process. At its core "Teraphim" is no-frills, razorsharp black metal that is orthodox in approach and destructive in execution. "Teraphim" might not be the big surprise of black metal records in 2009 - but it is certainly a consistent and most welcome one in a scene that has lost much of its original charm over the years.
www.moribundcult.com
