LORD BELIAL

Did anyone expect something fundamentally new from this well-known band? Let's be objective — no. They're quite content being the number three black metal group in Sweden; they've always been a long way from the level of MARDUK and DARK FUNERAL. Nevertheless, seven albums, a dozen or two concerts a year, and a small but devoted fanbase. Before the release of any album, the question always arises — what does the band want to say with it? Is it truly a new creative chapter, a quality execution of old ideas, or simply a forced obligation to the label? In the case of LORD BELIAL, it must be said that the album is original in its own way and quite good. However, it seems that nearly everything has already been said in this direction, and the musicians offer nothing new. We hear very clean and melodic black metal. The one fundamentally positive aspect is the absence of keyboards — that is an undeniable virtue, because it's become damned tiresome to listen to a lack of imagination dressed up in banal, overused triads. Yet the latest album can only be called black metal based on certain aspects of its sound, while its overall spirit relates to the genre only superficially. There is no fury, anger, or hatred in LORD BELIAL's music. Perhaps that's a good thing — but then they might as well adjust the lyrics accordingly and calm down on that front too. Overall, fans of the band and the Swedish metal scene should definitely pick up this disc, but I wouldn't recommend it as an introduction to the genre.