ALBUM REVIEW: Black Grail – VIIII

Chilean Black Metal occultists BLACK GRAIL are back with a new mini-album of diabolical delights, set for release via Iron Bonehead Productions on September 23rd.

Droning bass guitars open the ritualistic atmosphere with the kind of feeling that Hellenic Black Metal popularised in the 90s, shrouded in mystery as glistening guitars offer creepy ambience to the starting moments. The raspy, drawn-out vocals certainly add to the morbid mood that Black Grail so perfectly concoct. Incantations spill secretive chants upon swaying, percussive rhythms which feels more akin to a legitimate rite than many attempt. Channeling the energies of Mortuary Drape, Root, Necromantia, Mystifier, Samael and Tormentor to supreme effect, this unique and otherworldly Black Metal has a class and yet remains terrifying but also beautiful. The dancing bass lines and spectral guitars entwine oh so beautifully atop waves of cymbals and toms while the vocals retain a mixture of venomous howls and warbling chants to deliver the lyrics perfectly. There is an almost gothic or classical touch to the extremity that yields further intoxicating abyssal energies. Based on the what we have heard so far, this is a masterful mini-LP.

Continuing to summon charnel spirituality, the record has an excellent ability to stay on track with a singular atmospheric focus while the actual musicality changes to encompass plentiful satisfying elements. For instance, some of the riffs are veritably anthemic, warranting a pounding fist. While other moments are bleak or hostile to the point of being disconcerting to listen to. “Reflexiones En Cicuta” is probably the best cross-section to display these unlikely progressions in a single piece, but to appreciate the full value of this work, you must witness it completely. Those droning, moments barrel into blast-beats and eerie leads, while retaining that very rhythmic sound that has a lustful quality. This is utterly exuberant and luxurious Black Metal that is so full of genuine texture, authentic songwriting and conveyed by raw but skilful musicianship. One cannot argue that this is the work to true devotees to the black flame, as nothing short of this could produce such enthralling results.

Though around 25 minutes, putting it into the “mini-album” category, this is a full and rewarding experience, offering more than many albums doubling its length could. Definitely a case of quality over quantity. In fact this format lends to the urgency and unforgiving energy that would perhaps be lost if they took too much time meandering off course. Contrastingly, this offers a flurry of eccentric and exciting Black Metal (with an awesome dungeon-lurking interlude in the centre) that remains gripping and is full of enough adventurous ideas to warrant infinitely repeated listening. Comforting in the familiar sense of true Black Metal, more of the first wave and Hellenic / Italian veins, but also renewed and focussed. This is no cheap tribute, nor is it a blasphemous reinvention of the old ways. Black Grail offer the exact middle ground we seek, a potent and inspired offering of darkness and forbidden metallic excellence.

An unfathomably dark and wondrous opus that showcases some truly excellent, ancient and mystical Black Metal from these Chileans who have been a band I enjoy a lot for a few years. This is a superb example of their magical and archaic sounds that take Black Metal back to its core roots while maximising their abilities and injecting a passionate performance to give us something new. A haunting ritual that must be experienced.