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 Baxaxaxa

“De Vermis Mysteriis” (The Sinister Flame, 2023)

The legendary German quintet is, in my modest opinion, a rare case in the Black Metal scene. Most bands feel the need to go into strange “publicity maneuvers”, shocking statements and whatnot, as a way to show themselves to the World. Other bands, the minority, simply exist and work their darken hearts out to craft the best devilish symphonies. The rest, fame, exposure, etc, will come to them…

Baxaxaxa has been around since 1992, and only released 2 Full-lengths, 1 EP, 1 Split, and 2 Demos. Some bands release that much in 1 year. But… quantity over quality in many cases, unfortunately. These German lads work the other way around: less is more; and this less is perfect. In all honesty, their sound has not changed a single bit, and they still play that old, rotten, and moldy Black Metal so many of us love. Plenty of bands attempt to emulate an older sound, make it their own, but you need more than just musical knowledge, in my opinion. Of course, we have bands that are capable of such, and in a fantastic way, but will they ever be able to match what the older lads do?

This is the band’s 2nd album, and it comes 2 years after “Catacomb Cult”, an essential record, again in my opinion, to understand how Old School Black Metal is more than valid, today. Although the genre does evolve on a constant basis, some bands’ commitment to the Past is shown in the music they make. Baxaxaxa is a great example of such. Expect excellent guitar riffs, aimed at melody – “Awaken, the Old Thing in the Ground”, for example – and the crafting of these claustrophobic details and overall haunting moments. Wait, do not envision Baxaxaxa as an extremely technical band, please. As mentioned more than once, the band plays Old School Black Metal, with hints of 1st wave and 2nd wave. Perfection, I say, perfection!

“De Vermis Mysteriis” will most likely be in my Top 10 of 2023, mostly since the music is reminiscent of a time and place, an era of music that some of us hold very dearly, the best way to salvage a memory. Long live Baxaxaxa.

Baxaxaxa Official Bandcamp

Sinister Flame Official Bandcamp



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