Sermons Of The Black Flame’ sees the rising Black Metal titans Halphas return with an absolute behemoth of a release, and one which sees them staying true to their roots and evolving with a maturity whilst still maintaining a ferocity and aggression which we have grown to love on their previous two sacrifices.

‘Into The Void’ carves us open with an atmosphere and ambience which is mesmeric and decadent in all of its streams while its neighbouring track ‘The Draconian Path’ is almost the polar opposite, it is relentless brutality and raw aggression. The vocals from Berith are caustic and passsionate throughout, expelled with a ferocity which will surely become a trademark of his in the not too distant future.

Other highlights on the track include the compelling ‘Satan Speaks’ which demonstrates luxurious and toxic string work sitting along barbaric and opulent drum skills, ‘Wolves Of The Void’ is a fine display of quintessential raw Germanic Black Metal and the album closer ‘Into The Fires Of The Black Flame’ which is hefty in weight, length and make up, clockin in at over the eight minute mark and is a marathon but well worthy of the hike through its structure as you transcend through its majestic and sumptuous body of dark arts.

This birth is an example of a band maturing and evolving through antagonistic and uncompromising releases of their raw and aggressive virtuosities which then transcend the listener through forests and soundscapes of beligerent, corroding, technical and stunning Black Metal.

If you are a fan of Extreme Metal then this needs to become firmly housed within your collection as of yesterday. You simply will not be disappointed, Period

(9/10 Phil Pountney)

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https://halphas.bandcamp.com/album/sermons-of-the-black-flame