“Deadly Black Doom” is the 3rd Head of the Demon album and closes a circle which has started 8 years ago, with the S/T album. For those who have not yet listened to this latest release (it came out on the 30th of April via Invictus Productions/The Ajna Offensive), I urge you not to be fooled by its name. Despite its “tricky” title, the album has nothing to do with black metal whatsoever. The only black things here are the beautiful cover, the atmosphere contained in the 6 songs ( now we have it, triple 6 circle is finally complete) and the lyrics ( which, for those already familiar with Head of the Demon, are written in the same “read between the lines” manner).
I usually do not do this but, before writing this article, I browsed some reviews to see how other people perceived this release. To my surprise, some of the authors were disappointed that there was no black metal on the record, or they complained how linear and repetitive this album is. Most likely these people were not very familiar with Head of the Demon‘s music, otherwise they would have known that this band has never been your average “cold riffing / insanely fast blast beating” band. Anyway, let’s switch to the main point, which is “Deadly Black Doom“.
The follow up to “Sathanas Trismegistos“, it somehow continues where both the previous albums left off, the 6 new tracks definitely being the best work this band has done so far.
It is pretty damn hard to find an original band these days, especially in extreme metal, but Head of the Demon is one of those exceptions and each release they put out (every 4 years, as it seems) underlines this. Even though the band members have been active in other well known metal bands in the past, guided by Ra’s al-ghūl, they managed to create/unleash a somehow unique /different style of music, totally opposed to what can be called commercial or trendy in a genre already devoured by such sins.
The name of their latest album explains perfectly what this music is about. Is it deadly? Fuck yes, the guitars and the drums are obsessively digging into your brain to the point of surrendering. Is it black? Hell yes, the whole atmosphere emanates choking waves of sulfur, from the ritualistic vocals to the lyrics and the length of the songs (even if it has only 6 tracks, the album lasts for 50 minutes, with the shortest song being “only” 7′ 04″ long – “Set Sutekh“). Is it doom? Of course it is! It is very slow, oppressive and with every track it will crush you under its weight. This album will not make you wanna go out and party like there’s no tomorrow, but rather it will make succumb to your inner thoughts and, why not, fears. This is that kind of record best listened to with headphones, in solitude and total darkness. Only then, when your senses will be focused on the music alone, you will be able to discover its hidden beauty.
One of the strongest points of this album is its consistency as a whole. All the songs are a pillar on which the essence of “Deadly Black Doom” is built. It doesn’t make any sense to skip some tracks, you need to listen them in order, one after another. Every song is some sort of incantation, or prayer if you like, dedicated either to Pan ( the psychedelic “En to Pan” ), to Set (“Set-Sutekh“) or to the witch priest (St. Cyprian).
“Yes I am Saint Cyprian
The great mage and son of the Dragon
Father Satan gave me my name
With a crown and pentagram”
The ritualistic drums and “commanding” vocals really give this album a sacred, religious feeling. Whether you are into the occult or not, it is impossible not to be touched by these trance like rhythms.
The other strong point (and a very important one as well) is the sound of the album. This record is wrapped in an analogue, warm sound, which makes all the instruments sound as “live” as ever. There is a strong organic feeling in those instruments, like somehow you are actually in the same room with the musicians. And this strengthens the overall connection between the listener and the artist.
The album closes with “Voidsoul” which, clocking in close to 10 minutes, is the quintessence of this record and, why not, of the whole discography this band has released so far. Its wailing guitars and its haunting vocals take you to this journey’s end, which collapses before your very eyes in a gloomy and majestic way, only to be reborn, somewhere, who knows, maybe in 4 years time.
“O Primal Ones
In darkness and gloom
Destroy what is…to build anew…
Dissolve my being
With sweetest blood
Darkest seeds…Before the light”
“Deadly Black Doom” is definitely one of those albums that need some time to grow on you, but its obsessive rhythms will slowly creep inside your mind, haunting you, possessing you. It is also as addictive as it can be, but it is not an easy listen. Empty your mind and absorb this deadly dose of black doom magic, you won’t regret it. You have been warned.
Deadly Black Doom track list:
1. The House of Peor
2. Dawn Walker
3. En to Pan
4. Set – Sutekh
5. St.Cyprian
6. Voidsoul
Head of the Demon line-up:
Saibot – vocals
Johannes – guitars/vocals
Konstantin – guitars/bass
Jose – bass
Thomas – drums
Band contact:
scrollsofdarmoth.com 