Info
- Band(s): Cursed Excruciation
- Label(s): Angel of Cemetery Records, Iron Bonehead Productions, Unpure Records
- Release Format(s): 12" vinyl, Cassette, CD
- Release Year: 2023
- Review Date: April 18, 2023
- Author(s): FelixS
After two demos tapes, released in 2021, Cursed Excruciation’s sole member, Trance Of The Undead, started forging his ancient steel into something that would eventually shape in the form of his debut album. That debut album appeared through Iron Bonehead Productions at the very beginning of 2023. Though I hadn’t heard those two demos before I started doing some background research for this act, I did read some very bad critics on it. And, whether you like to admit it or not, when such a thing happens, you do approach it a bit more sceptically than you might like.
While I do understand much of the criticism that I have encountered, I think it is largely a matter of stance, and even more so a question of your personal taste (or overall understanding even) for Black Metal’s primal aesthetics. Cursed Existence purposefully delves deep into the occult roots of the genre that goes back all the way to the late 80’s and early 90’s. It is basically all about the second wave Black Metal of bands like Mortuary Drape, Samael, Necromantia, Varathron and Mystifier. Much like the album title reveals, ‘Arcane Diobolism’ is deeply rooted in occult and evil Black Metal, that largely benefits from the moody keyboards, untight drums and the almost warm sounding riffs that evoke the authentic atmosphere.
So, no, not all you will find anything modern or sophisticated on this album. But it does find connection with bands from the current Belgian Black Metal scene, such as Forbidden Temple and Moenen Of Xezbeth, as well as with the Finns of Ceremonial Torture or Witchcraft. These are bands that find their salvation and inspiration in the Black Metal gods of yesteryear, for whom ambiance was the main component. It is therefore not uncommon to hear atmospheric elements that would not be out of place on an old Varathron demo.
OK, Cursed Excruciation may not be the most talented band in this far corner of the Black Metal scene, but ‘Arcane Diabolism’ is definitely a more than enjoyable debut album that proudly carries that unique and authentic feeling deep in its DNA.
Angel of Cemetery Records
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Iron Bonehead Productions
- Country: Germany
- Style: Black Metal, Death Metal, Thrash Metal, Other
- Links: Homepage, Facebook, Instagram, Bandcamp, Youtube
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Unpure Records
- Country: Poland
- Style: Death Metal, Black Metal
- Links: Homepage, Bandcamp
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