Fancy something spooky and symphonic for Halloween? Well this will do nicely. Dutch band Haliphron only rose from their graves in 2021 and have in their ranks various members past and present from Bleeding Gods, Isegrim, Sinister, Howitzer, Debauchery and Asagraum (live). Debut album ‘Prey’ only came out a year and a half ago and the band have been busily establishing themselves with support slots with Arch Enemy and festivals including a packed throng at UK’s Bloodstock. As title suggests this is a study of darkness narratively and looks at the addictive qualities of being drawn into its folds, taking in everything from addiction to serial killing, self-mutilation and arson.

Merging elements of black and death metal along with a powerful and dramatic symphonic relish it falls somewhere in the midst of Midian era Cradle Of Filth and the grim theatrics of Holland’s own ghoulish sons Carach Angren. Once ‘Silence Escapes’ chugs away and gallops off we are in the midst of a right old horror show. With Isegrim’s ex singer Marloes Voskuil at the helm with her evil rasps and growls this tale of the peril of pills and powders has itself a catchy and addictive catchiness about it. There’s plenty of orchestral laden drama as well as some flailing guitar solos and as we take on ‘Feasting On Flesh’ one will be cannibalistically gorging on the meaty delights of the music. The pumped out and mischievously pompous keyboard embellishments really keep you on your toes and drive the music on with heady burgeoning mania which despite subject matter has one grinning along at is zeal.

The spoken word sample at the start of ‘Buried Truth’ dropped me headlong into the midst of Plainfield Cemetery but then surprises by taking off to Middle Eastern Saharan climes complete with some swooning clean choral parts. But you know what, when I thought about it there is common ground between Ed Gein and the ancient Egyptians. They both had a Mummy fixation, so perhaps it does make some sort of sense. Getting caught up in gambling is no laughing matter and this is what I am betting Double Or Nothing is all about. Cheap pun aside the sombre tone of the keyboard on this one could well be the sound of a family destroyed weeping away. Narcissistic behaviour is next with ‘Epitome of Perfection’ and with the duality of the vocals between high snarls and lower guttural parts it sounds like we are in the midst of an argument. The vocals are really effective as are the stabbing synth drives leading neatly into the cut and thrust of ‘Art Of The Blade.’

Although musically this could be looked as a quite fun when one looks at the apocryphal themes underlying the music it is quite the bitter pill to swallow. I did find the last and lengthiest title track a bit odd as essentially ‘Anatomy Of Darkness’ is seemingly devoid of the singer, instead relying on another spoken word part. Mind you it would work well mid-set live and give Marloe a chance to sip some much needed honey and lemon drink before going back to gargle razorblades!

Step into the heart of darkness at the following links.

(8/10 Pete Woods)

https://www.facebook.com/haliphronofficialband

https://listenable-records.bandcamp.com/album/anatomy-of-darkness