ALBUM REVIEW: Blackevil – Praise The Communion Fire For The Unhallowed Sacrament

I have enjoyed every release so far by Germany’s Black Thrash militia Blackevil. They now return with their third album, set for release via Dying Victims Productions on October 25th.

Those chilling melodies from the bands past have come back to haunt us again as the record rips in with glorious riffs and powerfully tight drumming. Malicious vocals spew forth from hell as the spectral blackened thrashing mayhem viciously conjures hellish visions. The profoundly stunning musicianship and high quality production allows the dynamic and bestial assault with its complex progressions and melodious flourishes to create a powerful atmosphere but one which is savage and intense. Of course Black and Thrash Metal make a huge portion of their sound, but Blackevil have these angles of more traditional Heavy Metal which add a certain epic feeling to contrast the darkened tempests. This mixture is absolutely perfect for me, hence my adoration for bands like Witching Hour, Bütcher, Cruel Force and of course; Blackevil! So the start of this record, how do I feel as a long-term fan? Over the moon! These guys are back and have continued to develop that wonderful sound from before without treading water. Let’s keep thrashing!

The use of majestic bass lines to give the trio a fuller sound is extremely effective as the blistering guitars are consistently a force to be reckoned with. The leads are equally impressive, giving the band a perfect stringed harmony. The drummer, thankfully, is no weak link either with fantastic fills and cymbal work to balance out the snare-kick onslaught that is obviously crushing. Finally I think the vocals really stand out, with a sort of more howling, pained yet venomous approach that really flows fantastically with the guitars. This is one of those bands that feels like a band, not just three random guys trying to make something work. The unity and forceful delivery from the entire band on this record is an all time high point, though something they had from day one. With songs mostly on the longer side (especially that 11 minute closing odyssey), the band know how to make enchanting songs which pulls you into their malevolent and wicked yet splendid and magical journey. Dancing eeriness and barbaric mayhem meet in the middle for a spectral and savage listen and right through the record the songwriting is utterly magnificent.

So the Bavarian barbarians are nailing it, that should be no surprise to fans of the band. There is such a seamless and organic feeling to the actually rather complex songs which do not rely on simplicity but have many facets to show. Of course the primitive fist-banging rage is there, but so is a sense of emotion that lifts the record to be something more than just background spin material. Reminding me of Dissection in some of the melodies then Nifelheim in the battering force, there is a vengeful but introspective juxtaposition to this album that has been a mainstay of the bands arsenal and something that always kept me coming back for more. To have vastly contradicting ideas and make them work so wonderfully together is no small feat, yet happens to be used excellently on this album. 46 minutes might seem long for a record under the banner of Black-Thrash, but Blackevil have such superb songwriting and use of dynamics which range widely across the metallic spectrum, you will be bewitched until the end.

Blazing Black-Thrash Metal with a perfect blend of the epic and unholy. This German horde has been consistently killer from the start and this magnificent addition to their discography only reinforces the steel of their skill. If you want straight ripping extremity with melody and yet pure traditional attitudes, this is the ideal middle ground and a record you should not skip. Plus, check out their fantastic prior releases, they won’t disappoint!