Seven apocalyptic black metal hymns is what Poland’s Occultum promise on their debut album. Moreover the end of “Abomination” is paraded as the exact vision of the band.
“Abomination” is the sixth of seven hell-inspired, hate-filled tracks. From the advancing creepiness of “End of the Light”, the mood develops into imperious violence on “In Saecula Saeculorum Tenebrae”. Black metal resounds still more as the vocalist’s screams match the rampant but actually quite melodic warmongering, which “Satan’s Era” brings us. There’s an element of Khold in the progression, with fire, growls and moans thrown in. In style, I’d say this was more Norwegian than typically Polish, as “Towards Eternal Chaos” is more fiery and all-consuming than the harsh blackened death which often comes out of Poland. Guitars and drums blaze on the nasty “Anthem of the Fallen World”. Devoid of mercy, this track has a compelling rhythm running through the lashings of terror and violence. It’s one crushing track after another. The drum beats darkly on “Black Quintessence”. The vocalist sounds to be in despair. The guitar plays a cold riff. Bang-bang-crash-crash is the prelude to thunderous noise, a long scream and a drawn out guitar line, signaling further despair. “Abomination” is venomously heavy, laying waste to all round it. Deeply dark, the end has a tinge of Mayhem but most of all it’s a musical representation of chaos, war and destruction. Enter a distant sounding vocalist preaching venom to the dispassionate accompaniment of the guitar and yet more darkness and satanic rhythms and choruses. The world not a pleasant place to be. “Gehinnom Gate” ensures there is no escape route
This is enough to satisfy anyone’s needs for violent black metal goes. It’s not original in style but there are no gimmicks. “Towards Eternal Chaos” punishes the ear drums in a way that you might expect from this genre.
(7.5/10 Andrew Doherty)
https://www.facebook.com/Occultum-1503781133262749
https://oldtemple.bandcamp.com/album/occultum-towards-eternal-chaos
7.5 / 10
Andrew Doherty
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