This week, I’ll be covering a split CD of two Finnish underground bands. Lux Satanae was released through Hells Headbangers Records on December 14th, 2015. Archgoat is generally better classified as death metal, with its characteristic vocals, but you can definitely hear how the northern European atmosphere is fused in their recordings. Satanic Warmaster is a black metal band originating from 1998; this album is one amongst their many releases. Both bands, as the title should’ve revealed, are lyrically heavily influenced by Satanism and the occult, so listener beware.
Side A of the records features 4 tracks by Satanic Warmaster. Personally, I instantly wanted to hear more after finishing this. It starts off with Black Destiny, a track featuring a dark intro that quickly turns into a black metal song equivalent to early Marduk releases, it has a nice dark vibe to it with some great atmospheric interludes, and the vocals are just right, if you ask me. For this release, the band re-recorded some old classics and I must say, they’ve taken them to a way higher level. The song that stood out from these guys is actually a cover song called Satanic Winter, originally performed by Pest. Again, great choice, they didn’t choose to alter the song with their atmospheric influences, but instead created something more thrashy.
When switching to side B, you’ll soon notice that Archgoat’s tracks are shorter, with their longest track being only 3:03, however, this does not compromise the quality of the content. Though short, their repertoire is quite powerful, straightforward and loaded with bass, blastbeats and deeeeep grunts! The energy in their music is great, it has some atmospheric parts here and there, but honestly, it does sounds a bit the same all together. There were 3 tracks that really drew my attention. Penis Perversor starts off with the sounds of someone being mutilated, before turning into a slow death metal jam. Two other tracks were Thrice Damned Sodomizer and Rise of the Blackmoon, both of which are very powerful and melodic (in some parts).
Overall, I’d give this record a 7. Both bands are nice, but I like the style of Satanic Warmaster better. Anyway, I was interested enough in both to pull out some old records! I’d say, give it a try guys and share your thoughts!
Satanic Warmaster Facebook
Archgoat Facebook
