Infernal Angels

“Shrine of Black Fire” (Immortal Frost Productions, 2023)

2023 has been, so far – and we are almost done with the year – a splendid year for Black Metal. Strangely enough I have been focusing more on bands and albums that have a deliberate melodic approach to the sound, rather than going for the Raw Black Metal acts. Not that we do not have been infernally blessed with exquisite works of Art, but the well-produced records have been calling for me, and I have answered the call. Immortal Frost is a bit to blame for that. Surtur has released, so far, at least 2 records I believe will be considered some of the best I had the pleasure to listen to this year: Infinity’s “The Untamed Hunger” and Deadspace’s “Unveiling the Palest Truth”; an honorable mention to Azaghal’s “Alttarimme on Luista Tehty”, that shows a band still pushing hard! The label’s latest release is Infernal Angel’s “Shrine of the Black Fire”, and we’ll jump right into the fire to see what we got here!

Infernal Angels has been around for over 20 years, and it shows. The consolidation of their sound, the skills obtained throughout all these years have resulted in a very consistent and balanced release. The thing I truly enjoy about this album is how the band “plays” with momentum and dynamics: ups and downs, slower and faster moments, aggressiveness, and peace… “Fire as Breath” is, in my opinion, a good example of these various approaches. The band showcases several emotional states, and the music follows, crafting atmospheres and ambiances that guide you into a sort of escalation of intensity. Quite interesting indeed. Overall, the music is not of simplistic construction, if that makes sense, but more complex. The best thing? It never falls into overly complex Black Metal! It remains a Black Metal album with great riffs and well-structured drumming, and if you pay attention to said instrument you will confirm how important it is for the band’s music. Vocals are aggressive as needed, not more nor less, just the right amount of violence. And it has melody, lots of melody, and the band does not shy away from building melodic Black Metal!

At times, it almost seems like the band is aiming for the musical side of a ritual, and this idea comes from how the band places these roughly hypnotic details at certain moments of the songs. It might sound weird, reading; however, once you listen to it closely, you will understand what I mean. On the whole, a very competent Black Metal release. One more for 2023, and from Immortal Frost Productions.

Cryfemal

“La Gran Victoria del Mal” (Immortal Frost Productions, 2023)

Bien, ¿qué tenemos aquí? Cryfemal hails from the Canary Islands, Spain, and this is their 9^th LP since its inception in 1998. It has been a while, right? Remember reading the name back in the day, and loving the photo shoot they did for “Perpetua Fúnebre Gloria” (2005). Focusing on the band’s latest release, in short, this is a blast of energy and Satanic force! Ferocious and uncompromising Black Metal with the harsh power of Death Metal. These 8 songs in a total of 30 minutes spew off Hate and Death, all entangled and covered in Filth and Destruction. If I may put it in the most simple of ways, this is how a describe this release. It is a constant aggressive assault. No rest, no compassion, just Black Metal.

In all honesty, we could go on and on about how this song is A, and that song is B, but in the end these 8 tracks are pure destruction! No rest, no appreciation for the listener, just spit and vomit! It reaches the point of disgust… but that disgust one needs to have contact with every now and then, just to focus, to understand how life is. Strange? It might be, but you will get it once you press PLAY. Ebola (vocals, instruments) and Guayota (drums) have been together since 2020, and it shows. The connection between both is natural, and their levels of aggressiveness truly merge into one big beast.

At times it will not be a “pleasant listening experience”, but that harsh side, that dirty facet, is what Cryfemal is all about: Black Metal thrown at your face. Enter at your own risk, my friend.

Immortal Frost Productions Official Bandcamp