Azaghal

Country of origin: Finland
Year of creation: 1995
Genre: Black Metal
Lyrical themes: Satanism, Terror, Hatred, War, Anti-Christianity

1995-2006: Azaghal was formed in 1995 by guitarist Narqath and drummer Kalma (later known as Vrtx and V-Khaoz). Early on the band was called BELFEGOR, but the name was changed to AZAGHAL (because of Belphegor from Austria) when Varjoherra joined the horde as a vocalist in 1997. First demo was recorded shortly after that in late 1997. 2 more demos ("Noituuden Torni" and "Kristinusko Liekeissä") were recorded in 1998, as well as the debut 7" EP "Harmagedon" which was released by Aftermath Music. 

The debut full-lenght "Mustamaa" was released in summer 1999 by Melancholy Productions (later known as ISO666). The album was originally released only on limited vinyl (300 copies), but was later re-released also on CD by ISO666. Only few months later the second full-lenght was recorded, titled "Helvetin Yhdeksän Piiriä". The first 2 albums featured mostly re-recorded demo material, thus the quick space between the recordings and releases. "Helvetin Yhdeksän Piiriä" came out on Brazilian Evil Horde Records in December 1999. The year 2000 saw the releases of couple of split CD's, "Helwettiläinen" 7" and a collection of rare & demo tracks "Deathkult MMDCLXVI". Azaghal tracks from the two split CD's (with Mustan Kuun Lapset and Beheaded Lamb) were also released on 12" vinyl called "Ihmisviha" by Blut & Eisen. In early 2001 JL Nokturnal (whom had appeared on most of the earlier releases as a session member) joined Azaghal as a lead guitarist / bassist and we recorded our third full-lenght album "Of Beasts and Vultures" in March 2001. After some delays "Of Beasts and Vultures" was finally released over a year later in spring 2002. After this album founding member and drummer V-Khaoz was kicked out of the band because of increasing conflicts both on an personal and musical level. 

In 2002-2003 we recorded more material for split releases and signed a deal with already familiar Aftermath Music for the release of a MCD and new full-lenght. The result was the limited "Kyy" MCD and our most raw and nihilistic album to date, "Perkeleen Luoma". These two releases were also released as 2LP by finnish Hammer of Hate. We didn't feel the need to find a new drummer at this time, so these releases were recorded with a drum machine (aka Unhuman Warmachine) to give the recordings colder and more unhuman atmosphere. After nearly 10 years of existence and a very negative approach towards gigs the whole time, we finally decided to start playing live in 2004, so TM Blastbeast (aka Teemu Mutka, ex-Deep Red, Nerlich etc.) was brought in to handle the drums. Our first live appearance was at the Under The Black Sun Festival in Germany in summer 2004, the response was great to say the least and thus we have continued playing random gigs since then. Later in 2004 we signed with our current label Avantgarde Music, and as an contrast to our previous album, "Perkeleen Luoma", we recorded our most diverse and complex album "Codex Antitheus" and in support of it played a few more gigs in 2005 (in Switzerland and Italy). In 2006 we recorded our second album for Avantgarde Music, "Luciferin Valo". This album saw more of an back to basics approach both in simplified song writing and rawer production. After the recordings we replaced TM Blastbeast behind the drumkit with Chernobog (also in Kingdom of Agony). The next full-lenght "Omega" was recorded in early 2008 for Moribund Records. 

Niflungr (Kingdom of Agony, Wyrd) joined the band as a bassist / vocalist in 2008, completing the current line-up. 

Nemesis

Nemesis is the ninth studio album from the Finnish black metal bunch of blasphemous bastards Azaghal (named after a Lord of Belegost, one of Tolkien's noble dwarves). For all of their previous releases, this band has strayed true to the aesthetic of black metal, and Nemesis is no different. However, rather than letting the form dictate the music, for Azaghal it's the music contained within that defines its deformity. Dissonant and raging agony colludes with the tremolo-picked riffs that collide with ruthless and relentless blast-beats in seemingly unending repetition that rapidly escalate into subterranean depths of impenetrable horror.

Of particular note is the production as it is very good; in fact it's considerably better than most black metal out there that purposely or otherwise, goes for that lo-fi production value. And because of the production, being able to hear what's going on means the album has much more impact: the drums – usually reduced to a tinny echo emanating from a cardboard box with particularly good soundproofing – have the kind of presence that both bluntly bludgeons and sharpens the atramental aesthetic; the guitars burn intensely; and the reverb-drenched vocals are piercing.

'De Masticatione Mortuorum' opens poisoned proceedings with a fierce melodic guitar line that opens the floodgates for fifty three minutes of bile. 'Pohjoisen Valkoinen Kuolema' quickly follows in the same vein with its half-time passages and the reverberating lead work around the mid-point shifting the dynamic into more enchanting domains. 'Vihasta Ja Veritöistä' briefly slows the pace down for a dirge-laced introduction infused with melancholic melodies that bleed into more ravaging delight. With its call for Satan to "live through me", 'Hail the Whore' shifts the dynamic again. Still fierce, the up-tempo rage of this track moves somehow slower, harder, until the clean mid-passage where the bass brings in a smooth melody to introduce the tormented coda laden with nuanced drum-work and more melodic guitar lines and impressive lead work.

Up to here, the tracks have been impressive though standard black metal in structure and execution, but the hauntingly hollow and atmospheric opening of the sprawling drudgery that is 'Ex Nihilo' marks a significant shift in both song-craft and musicianship. This is where the depths of the album truly begin. From 'In Deathlike Silence' through to 'Satanic Devotion', Azaghal bring to light what it is that has allowed them to sustain their might since 1995. Aside from the rock rhythm of 'Black Legions of Satan' – a trait that somehow doesn't quite achieve what it was perhaps meant to – the remaining tracks introduce a few surprise elements. The heavily melodic title track has an astounding clean harmony vocal passage with hints of folk in the melody midway through and some particularly impressive metal riffs and lead work in the latter half of the track. The textures of 'The Pit of Shoggoths' is tangible, razor sharp, the track sprawling with infectious melodies and diseased darkness that spills over into the wrathful 'Satanic Devotion', the final declaration of Azaghal's staunch dedication to being "Reborn in Sin".

Fierce and brutal, it's the combination of the melodic with the melancholic and the maddened that gives Depths its edge over much of the rancid river that runs through the underground. Where the first half of the album is the most "black metal" part of the album – though still exceptional – it's the outstanding elements found in the latter half that make Depths truly standout. As exceptional as Depths is, had the whole album been up to this standard I shudder to think what Azaghal would have achieved.

Tracklist:

1. De Masticatione Mortuorum
2. Pohjoisen Valkoinen Kuolema
3. Vihasta ja Veritöistä
4. Hail the Whore
5. Ex Nihilo
6. In Deathlike Silence
7. Black Legions of Satan
8. Nemesis
9. The Pit of Shoggoths
10. Satanic Devotion

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