The Minnesota based duo known as Azrael don't sound like the majority of today's typical sounding black metal bands. While the bulk of bands in this genre do not seem that interested or perhaps even capable of moving things forward, Azrael approach things a little differently by incorporating several different musical styles into their music which ironically leaves them sounding somewhat non-black at times if that makes any sense. The instrumentation alone for example is something of an anomaly; I mean who's heard of clean guitars and crystal clear vibrant production in the black metal underground? Algol (vocals, bass, drums) and Lord Samaiza (guitars, vocals) conjure up just over 2 hours worth of some of the bleakest, trance inducing jams you'll ever hear spread out over the course of these 2 discs which are titled Act III – Self and Act IV – Goat. The nightmarish, long drawn out epics are perfectly balanced with crushing passages of pure evil. The music invokes such overwhelming feelings of isolation that it tortures the listener emotionally on an epic scale. If there is one drawback to these 2 discs it would have to be its overwhelming length. If you submit yourself to two hours of this depressing, barren soundtrack all in one sitting, it's quite possible you won't make it through to the other side. Overall though Act III and IV is an extremely impressive achievement proving that Azrael cannot be defined by pointless musical tags. You can call it whatever you want but that doesn't change the fact that these guys have delivered what amounts nothing less than a true black opus.
Track Listing
Disc 1
1) Silence
2) Obscure Ritual Initiation
3) Seeping into the Wound
4) Worship
5) Swing the Blade
6) Diminished
7) Down into Blood
8) Sealing the Coffin
9) Unto the Eye
Track Listing
Disc 2
1) Death Shroud
2) Writhing
3) Bury The Soul Deep in the Dawn
4) Beyond the Crypt
5) Lifeless Dungeon
6) Grave Wanderer
7) Nocturnal Goat
8) Submersed
9) Descent
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
