Baxaxaxa "Catacomb Cult" CD

Comes in jewelcase with 4-page booklet.

German black metal cult Baxaxaxa reemerged from the depths in recent years with fantastic new material on a demo and EP release, now they have finally unveiled a debut full length, set for release via The Sinister Flame.

Doomy riffs begin the occult soundscapes with an immediately dark, otherworldly presence. Chiming bells and ritualistic drums underline the fantastic riffs as the monolithic black metal rite begins. Bellowing synths and rabid vocals quickly complete the raw assault, taking us back to an ancient time of mystique with a truly haunting and genuine conjuration of hidden mysteries. The slower riffs and cymbal work complement the vocal incantations gorgeously while the atmosphere continues to become more ensnaring. The way in which Baxaxaxa ebb and flow between these rocking moments with ethereal synths and then drop back into the old school necrotic doom metal before launching some more traditional black metal forth concocts an inferno of potent fire that is brooding with secretive and enchanting magnificence. It is clear the band has not lost their profane vision that was present from the 90’s and reinvigorated in recent years, in fact the malevolence we can hear on this tome shows it stronger than ever.

Delving further into the catacombs, the funereal drape that shrouds this music is absolutely wonderful. Deliciously scathing guitars create a wall of malice as the drums pound a heartbeat of equal disdain into the music which has groove, grace and most of all a consuming darkness that is projected by equally brilliant instrumental and vocal torment. This is a perfect example of how to use synths properly, throughout the record as the atmospheric tension grows we see the foreboding tones creep in to subtly underline the ambience without being some annoyingly bombastic distraction from the black metal ferocity. Each of the 8 tracks is a pungent and mysterious offering that is tethered into the album carefully. Expect a carefully constructed piece of art that does not compress or polish its imperfections, rather giving us an organic and chaotic listen while still retaining all of the sonic pleasures and aesthetic excellence that has been present since day one.

With their roots in the 90’s, there is certainly a classic feel to this record yet it is no less relevant now. This is a timeless piece of high quality black metal that transcends time and sub-genres with its macabre, ritualistic and inhuman boldness, offering a masterful debut with remorseless execution. Remarkable, memorable and cacophonous, do not miss this graven affair of malignant occult magnificence.

Sample: youtube.com/watch?v=sVDyFZ4hHB0