Info
- Band(s): Chapel of Samhain
- Label(s): Helldprod Records, Nuclear Winter Records
- Release Format(s): 12" vinyl, Cassette, CD
- Release Year: 2024
- Review Date: November 6, 2024
- Author(s): FelixS
Spawned from the minds of Black Onyx and Phoros, Chapel Of Samhain is one of the latest monsters to come from the deepest crevices of the Portuguese underground. With having gained experience in bands like Nethermancy, Decayed, Grog, Corpus Christii, Irae, Morte Incandescente and Onirik the duo behind Chapel Of Samhain are certainly no strangers to the field of extreme metal. With this new musical endeavour they are presenting their first feat in the form of ‘Black Onyx Cave’.
The title might already suggest a bit of what you can expect. On first blush you could categorize it as what is called “cavernous Death Metal”, yet, when taking a deep dive into these pitch black caves you’ll experience much more. Where those bands plodding through the “cavernous” bogs of undistinguishable walls of riffs, Chapel Of Samhain is adding way more in terms of dynamics and song writing. But it’s certainly not just these minimum requirements for an exciting record where the band separates itself from the rest.
To put it more frank, the basis for Chapel Of Samhain might be the same sort of dark Incantation-like riffs, but that is where all comparison ends. Not only is there a distinctly palpable Black Metal edge to the overall sound on the songs, their individual fingerprints are way more diverse and do also incorporate Doom Metal and a whole range of other influences. The band’s penchant for occult and almost sacral music is audible throughout the whole album, but pops up most significantly in songs such as ‘Portal’ that has some religious singing. It is even more than just a few times that some pieces remind of a band like Abysmal Grief, a musical monument that like no other is able to convey a truly sacral atmosphere. In more Death Metal terms, ‘Black Onyx Cave’ doesn’t sound too far removed from some of the more “moody” Acheron tracks in which keyboards did play a distinct and eminent role.
But despite, or thanks to, that musical creativity ‘Black Onyx Cave’ is a magnificent multi-dimensional Death Metal experience, something that is truly a rare thing in the genre. If you don’t shy away from modest but well-executed exotic forays into your Death Metal that is otherwise midway between Imprecation, Acheron and Dead Congregation, then ‘Black Onyx Caves’ should definitely not be missed. Highly recommended!
Helldprod Records
- Country: Portugal
- Style: Black Metal, Death Metal, Doom Metal, Thrash Metal, Other
- Links: Homepage, Facebook, Instagram, Bandcamp, Youtube
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Nuclear Winter Records
- Country: Greece
- Style: Black Metal, Death Metal
- Links: Homepage, Facebook, Instagram, Bandcamp
