Nazghor - Infernal Aphorism

Published October 29 2017

*=Staff's pick	Opus Profanus Malignant Possession Decretion At Eschaton* The Darkness Of Eternity Deathless Serpent Rite Of Repugnant Fury* Ephemeral Hunger Spawns Of All Evil Absence Of Light* Infernal Aphorism

Genre	Black Metal	Nekhrid	Vocals
Tracks	10	Armageddor	Guitar
Running time	60 Min.	Angst	Guitar
Label	Non Serviam Records	Crowlech	Bass
Release	October 13, 2017	Cosmarul	Drums
Country	Sweden	-	Keyboards
Producer	-
Similar bands	Watain, Dissection, Naglfar

Certain bands release an almost ridiculously intense string of material. Even though Uppsala's Nazghor is still far away from notorious acts like Drowning the Light or Striborg, six full-lengths in five years is nonetheless noteworthy. Particularly as all efforts hold a high standard of quality, making Nazghor one of the most undervalued contemporary black metal bands.

The band really found its expression already on the debut 'Life Impaled'. The archetypical Swedish black metal sound, with heavy nods towards Watain and Dissection, has been perfected over the years but changed little. 'Infernal Aphorism' follows comfortably in the same vein. Even though the performance, vocal technique, and songwriting have improved since the debut, fans will know what to expect.

If one were to dig into the minor changes that do present themselves, a thicker, more focused production would become the focal point. This in turn gives a less chilling atmosphere in favor of more notable melodies. A slight transition from the Dissection influences towards Naglfar or Mörk Gryning if one will.

Along the other sectors of the Nazghor front, this effort is as dark and intense, yet accessible and melodic as ever. In the end it comes down to simply setting the individual songs against those on previous albums. In that sense, 'Infernal Aphorism' definitely is on par with the bands standards, although not the best effort to date.

Five years and six albums into their career, Nazghor show no signs of letting inspiration, commitment, nor quality slip. Fans will be as pleased as ever with 'Infernal Aphorism' and new-comers have yet another solid Nazghor album to discover.

See also review of: Death's Withered Chants

Performance	Originality	Production	Vocals	Songwriting
7	5	6	8	7

Summary
7 chalices of 10 - Tengan