Judging by the band name and the fact this band is from Norway one would assume that this is a black metal band. An assumption that proves unfounded on this sophomore following a debut called “Current 11” released over a decade ago in 2005. With no output from the band during the intervening 12 years this arrives virtually without any prior knowledge via various news feeds I keep an eye on.

The opening intro piece is suitably eerie, with echoing voices and a distant rumbling leading into fading cymbal work that signals the album to kick-start itself. Leading straight into “The Hungry Omega” that eeriness continues as the song steadily intensifies using backing effects and some deft guitar hooks steeped in dread. Maintaining a slow but tense tempo an influx of double kick inundates the song and is similar to Immolation. There is an oppressive aura about this album due to the claustrophobic production that enables every aspect of the songs to take focus whenever necessary. The multiple vocal styles add considerable weight to the songs, creating a theatrical base on which the musicianship can explore deep cavernous avenues of slithering mortality.

The songs seem to link together with the end of one flowing into the next as “Lord Of Putrefaction” possesses sonic charisma due to the ambitious vocal arrangements conjuring up a death metal equivalent to Czech Republic band Root and their inimitable vocalist Big Boss. The drama of the vocals is intrinsic to the atmosphere as the track drops into a suffocating blast beat and lingering guitar hook that had me thinking about Necros Christos. Immolation is the main reference point here and whilst the guitar work is possibly not as accomplished the gruesome intent is clear as “Beast of Lawlessness” unfurls via an earth-shattering screech and snapping beat. The guitar hook has a slight Nile flavour as the bombarding double bass is totally obliterating.

Stretching the boundaries is “Faceless Queen Of Bloodstained Dreams”, a lengthy but enthralling dive into deathly murk as though you’re drowning in bitumen. The tempo changes are excellent, enabling the song to pass through various phases with each possessing its own unique riff as the pulverising drums do their absolute best to demolish your speakers. That pummelling intensity infects “Ascension Of The Blind Dragon”, with its unwavering blast beat being merciless even when the track slows to a creeping crawl making the Immolation reference ever more valid.

I crave authentic and ambitious death metal and Shaarimoth have forged a niche of their own here with a bleak and grisly slab of punishing death metal that is sure to satisfy the ravenous appetites of those wishing to have their very existence corrupted to its soul.

(8.5/10 Martin Harris)

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