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 Black Grail

“Misticismo Regresivo” (Uncreation Records / Final Agony Records / Virupi)

Originally released in 2015 by Uncreation Records (CD) and Final Agony Records (Vinyl), Virúpi now presents Black Grail’s debut album on Tape, for the first time. The moment I first saw the band I was immediately directed to a band like Mortuary Drape. At first, I thought the comparisons would be only with the aesthetic side of the band, but once I pressed PLAY, I realized it was a bit more than just that, and all that ritualistic side of the Italian legends is present, and it provides a structure for the music. Black Grail is a band from Santiago, Chile, and like many Black Metal bands from this part of the World, their work revolves around mysticism and a very prominent ritualistic existence. South American bands have always taken their Black Metal very seriously… and we like it.


“Misticismo Regresivo” is a very, very interesting Black Metal album. As mentioned above, the ritualistic side of the band influences their music immensely, which crafts beautiful melodies and atmospheric moments. Hypnotic melodies and powerful guitar riffs push you into this spiral of madness and anger. Black Grail has these two very well-aligned sides: the more aggressive, old school Black Metal side, and the more ritualistic, atmospheric side, a bit like Mortuary Drape in a way.


These two realities are perfectly merged into one sonic experience. “Elevación Frustrada” is a perfect example of the path the trio has been walking for years: a path of enlightenment and discovery; “Fotofobia Póstuma” follows, and it takes that previous atmosphere, that essence, and carries it into the Black Metal ground, merging both! This transition is more than a transition, it ends up being a continuation of the previous… and I am blown away.


“Carta de un Samsari” closes this album in a very interesting way. an instrumental piece, it appears to be a closure, the ending of a chapter, of a ritual. And I dare say that the word “ritual” is one of the best words we could use to describe this album. I was completely unaware of this band, but this release took me by the throat and won me over…



Virupi Official Bandcamp



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