The points of reference here are Gaahls Wyrd and Krakow, from whom this band derives its members. Add in a couple of weighty Norwegian mates on session drums and twisted artwork duties, and you’ve got an introduction.

Thrashing blackness is how I’d describe “Bloodshed”. Fast, hard and destructive, it sets pulses racing from the off. It’s full of rasping Norwegianness. “Derive from Ash” has the hardness but is based around a slower contemptuous riff. This is from the book of black n roll. The hypnotic riff recalls the likes of Khold. Speed and bloodletting fury return for “Ritual”. In the central section it breaks off and Phantom Fire bring us a passage of spooky excitement, living up to their name in doing so. Disconcerting silence marks the start of “Satanic Messenger” before it takes a frightening cosmic route with echoing voices and gothic style synthesised tones. This is an interesting development. I sensed this was the prelude to world destruction. The sequel “Lucifer” is extremely short and obscure. More black n roll ensues with “De Taptes Dans” but it is of course laced with burning evil. The fury is taken to the next level on the pulsating and edgy “Black Night” before “Mara” fires us up. “Libertad” provides another obscure and seemingly pointless interlude, preceding the weighty and substantial “Pentagram”. Starting slowly, there are choral and in particular a spoken part to enhance the grisly musical torture that its music represents. Seeking to break out, it never does as Phantom Fire maintain a funereal atmosphere, reining in any outbursts of fiery melody or mobility which feature so much on this album.

“Eminente Lucifer Libertad” captures what is good about Norwegian black metal without telling us anything new. Frosty and fiery, it sweeps us along while being full of malevolence.

(8/10 Andrew Doherty)

https://www.facebook.com/PhantomFireOfficial

https://edgedcircleproductions.bandcamp.com/album/eminente-lucifer-libertad