Sometimes you can tell a lot about an album by simply taking a glance at the cover. Such is the case with Blaspherian's debut effort, Infernal Warriors of Death. What is essentially a depiction of hell (filled with demons, inverted crosses, and the rest of the ordeal) serves as a great peak into the blasphemous lyrics and brutal music this album contains. The cover also looks eerily similar to Immolation's Dawn of Possession - surely no coincidence when one considers how similar Blasperian sounds to these New York-based pioneers. Infernal Warriors of Death is an album that is decidedly "retro" in sound, and Blaspherian delivers the sound professionally and with confidence. Fans of old school death metal are advised to check this one out.
Blaspherian plays a style of old school death metal that could've come straight from 1991. Their main influence is Immolation, but I also hear nods in the direction of bands like Morbid Angel and Deicide. The extremely unpolished and raw production helps contribute to the "old school" sound that characterizes Blaspherian's music. One look at the album cover, song titles, or even band name alone, it's clear that the lyrics are in the Satanic/anti-Christian department. The lyrics aren't the most interesting I've ever heard, but it does contribute to the evil atmosphere that Blaspherian have tried so hard to obtain. While I'm open to their old school death metal sound and blasphemous lyrics, my biggest issue with Infernal Warriors of Death is that it's ultimately lacking in the memorable compositions department. Even right after a focused listening session, I have a tough time remembering more than a mere handful of riffs. I have a great time while I'm listening to the album, but there ultimately isn't enough worthwhile material to make this feel like more than an average release. The only song that really sticks in my head is "Invoking Abomination" - that is some top-notch death metal right there!
All in all, Infernal Warriors of Death is a fairly impressive debut from Blaspherian. They show plenty of potential here, and that's ultimately what's most important when we're talking about debut albums. Blaspherian still has some work to do with their songwriting, but I have no doubt that will improve over time. For this solid album, 3 stars is a fair rating. If old school death metal with blasphemous lyrics is up your alley, Infernal Warriors of Death is surely worth your time!
Track Listing:
1. The Disgrace of God (4:27)
2. Desecration Eternal (3:34)
3. Sworn to Death and Evil (4:08)
4. Lies of the Cross (4:44)
5. Infernal Warriors of Death (4:56)
6. In the Shadow of His Blasphemous Glory (4:33)
7. Invoking Abomination (5:04)
8. Exalted in Unspeakable Evil (5:01)
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