Bit behind the curve on this. Some of you may remember me raving about the Blood Countess demo back in 2019 with the charmingly named The Cuntess on vocals (Eastern Front, Daemona). Been a rocky old time and now in 2022 she is the only surviving member from the multiple line-ups in-between and this was written and recorded with her partner in many crimes Istvan (Old Corpse Road, Wynter Myst, Peasant and way too many others to type) but they are now very much out and about with a full live line-up.
‘Storms Over Carpathia’ roars in under a thunderclap for this Countess Bathory themed corker. It’s straight for the throat stuff, the twisted, dragging -hell-with-her vocals of The Cuntess still hugely evocative and on point as ever and the riffing shifts tempo beautifully and full of the rolling clouds of a tempest. It’s a great introduction to the band, a finely crafted song indeed that punches hard. ‘Ad Altare Sanguinem’ is frankly even better; a lovely, almost hidden melody weaves snake like through the dark riff which makes the vocals even more haunting. It’s creepy, atmospheric straight down the line black metal.
‘In Virgins Blood’ has a real bounce to the opening, a gleefully joyous ode to bathing. It has an almost traditional UKBM feel to it (not a criticism) but that energy in the riff is delightful. ‘Ululations Of The Grief Stricken Peasants’ has less of a smile to its snarl, but some neat lower register riffing gives it real spine and drive.
‘Screams Over Capathia’ is the perfect moment to take a breath as the sounds of torture wash over you. Let it sink in. Yeah, this is quality, classy music.
‘Orgasm Leading To Death’ is a brutal interruption, a furious outing with strange, almost introspective moments. ‘Ferenc Nadasdy’ has an infectious bassline and some nasty snapping and snarling vocals in the shadows. And ’21-08-1614′ at the end pulls out the most glorious, imperious melody on the album; a mid-paced and deliberate song, it seems to stalk you round the castle and almost whisper its vile intentions. The vocals again are just so expressive and varied as that hook line wraps itself around you…ah save the best until last I guess.
A long time coming but with more and more gigs under their belts hopefully stability will come now. But regardless this is just superb for a debut. Yes they are long serving musicians but Blood Countess have their personality already. A traditional feel, the genetic print of Emperor and early CoF detected perhaps, a hint of the almost melodic approach of maybe someone like Spectral Wound just in minute touches, and at other times a broader richer sound. But above all this has that almost impossible to describe UKBM feel – the rawness full blooded but with a rich layer of subtlety woven skilfully through it that pulls out the atmosphere and ferocity.
Yeah, a truly welcome addition to the vibrant UKBM scene. You need to.lend this an ear.
(8/10 Gizmo)
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