Vladphemer the Sodomizer, Noctisadistum and Branded Rebel, the members of black / speed metal band Bafomet, formerly known as Sigil of Bafomet, have pleasure in bringing us “F.O.A.D.I.F”. I know what FOAD is, but not IF – in flames? Anyway, I wish you guys a lovely day too. With song titles like “Black Heavy Metal Punk n’ Hell” and “War Ritual” it all sounds on the face of it a bit of a cliché but let’s see. Although this is their first full release, I can see that Bafomet have been releasing bits and pieces over their 7-year existence.

The scene is set with dark and grainy intrigue. The promised speed metal hits us vigorously with the title “F.O.A.D.I.F”. If it weren’t for the echoing growly vocals, this would remind me of Motorhead or Hawkwind’s “Kings of Speed”. It follows an old school course but most importantly it’s impressively energetic. The good times continue to rock n roll with the vibrant riffage of “Satanico Heavy Metal”. The vocals again have that Hawkwind-like psychedelic distance, contrasting with the jolly metal riff. I’m not sure if it’s supposed to be, but it’s a fun track to be enjoyed, and isn’t taxing in any way. The mood changes to black metal garglings, and appropriate utterances about Satan’s rock and roll and 666. Meanwhile the guitarist and drummer provide the metal speed. Such is “Mayhemic Blackfire”. This is a ballad compared to “Black Heavy Metal Punk n’ Hell”. The title says it all, and the title is repeated often enough. I do like the riffage – just as well, as it doesn’t change very much – and the edgy, echoey vocals which feature again on “Burning High”, a more sophisticated song than those which we have heard so far. The guitar work is expressive. Crash, band, wallop … it’s back to rapid-fire black speed with the cover of the Barbatos song “War Metal Drinkers”. Fiery guitar, a repeatable chorus line which is easy to guess and an all-out dark assault are the ingredients. And we can celebrate war metal drinkers if we want. The final blast is another piece of dark punky speed “戦争儀式(War Ritual)”

There’s nothing subtle about this in keeping with the album title, barring perhaps the structure and ambience of “Burning High” and other odd moments where the playing technique belies the direct overtone. I liked the fact that Bafomet stick to their guns, the result being a collection of rampant and uncompromising speed – punk – black songs. “F.O.A.D.I.F” is energetic and magnetic with its speed metal riffs, and I have no doubt that this band would be a real pleasure to see live. Bafomet manage to convey that “live” feel, and with its ubiquitous energy, the album exudes a paradoxically feel-good factor.

(7.5/10 Andrew Doherty)

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