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Smyrtonos / Skol – The Dark Lords Of Blasphemy [Split]

smyrtonos / skol – the dark lords of blasphemy [split]

Info

While this split release is Smyrtonos’ fifth release of 2024, the partner on this split is rather new. Skol was founded last year and digitally released its first album, ‘The Altar Of Elemental Evil’ earlier this summer. Although situated in practically the most distant points of the country, they both are Bulgarian and therefore form each other’s natural allies.

Despite Smyrtonos is up first, the intro that proceeds the music is Skol’s. Yet, after that short short one-minute opening humming Smyrtonos bursts into a more raw kind of Black Metal than we have had the pleasure of hearing in past releases. In this more bare boned version, Smyrtonos harkens back to the very basics of Black Metal. The essential elements that Smyrtonos’ music is built from are all in place here too, however, it is that more minimalist approach that gives these recordings a pretty unique character. The variations in tempo/drums, which by the way are quite prominent in terms of sound, give the whole thing a bit of a Rock-like vibe. But the raw guitar sound, the icy vocals and the slightly chaotic nature combine to make this another excellent piece of melancholic, yet primal, Black Metal.

After yet another 90-second intro, Skol takes over. After the rather in-your-face approach of Smyrtonos it takes a bit of adjusting to Skol’s sound. Not only is it lower in volume, it is also forged out of another sort of Black Metal. Clearly inspired by the likes of Burzum, Forgotten Woods and Silencer the overall atmosphere is built upon massive repeating riffs, long-drawn out melodies and haunting vocals. Especially this split’s closing song, ‘The Mystic Ghoul’ is an awe-inspiring 8-minute track that consists of an amazing and melodic repeating riff in a somewhat subdued overall production that is as close as it gets to Burzum’s classic 1993 and 1994 albums. Pure class!

Skol

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