Ophiolatry
Transmutation
Forces of Satan/Regain (2008)
Ophiolatry is another band that, like their labelmates Black Flame, is a true force in the black arts to be reckoned with. Ophiolatry (the worship of serpents) has more of a grind aspect to their sound than their respected brethren. Relentless blastbeats and truly brutal guitar work that have the ability to pummel the listener into a fine powder. The band hails from Brazil, a country known to take its metal seriously and believe me when I say that these guys aren't fucking around. With Transmutation, they've taken their fellow countrymen Sarcofago's mantra of "Fuck Off Melodic Black Metal" to a whole other level. The vocals are more of a death-rattle than can usually be found in black metal, but Ophiolatry challenges the notion that black metal has to have a uniform sound. What they, along with label Forces of Satan, prove is that the sound is secondary to the attitude when it comes to classifying your sound as "black." This is a pretty fast listen, sixteen tracks in thirty-two minutes. But it's quality, not quantity that counts. There's also a welcome element of experimentation with the inclusion of instrumentals like "Urutu" and "Variacoes 1" that balance the brutality with … Read more
Caithlin de Marrais
My Magic City
End Up (2008)
I will never forget the first time that I heard Caithlin de Marrais' voice; the opening lines of "Rise" off … Read more
Black Flame
Imperivm
Forces of Satan/Regain (2008)
Black Flame is an Italian black metal trio that holds the distinction of being one of the first bands signed … Read more
