CELESTIA - Dead Insecta Sequestration (CD, Agonia Records)

CELESTIA's Dead Insecta Sequestration stands as an undeniable gem in the realm of raw black metal, capturing the essence of the genre with a sound that is both chilling and captivating. Despite its status as a demo, the production strikes the perfect balance—unpolished yet immersive, allowing each instrument to shine in its own right. The vocals, guitars, bass, and drums are all distinct and perfectly placed, making this an essential listen for those who thrive on the rawest and most uncompromising black metal atmospheres.

From the very first moments, CELESTIA delivers a performance that is both relentless and mesmerizing. Every riff, every passage feels meticulously crafted, seamlessly weaving together darkness, melancholy, and sheer aggression. The atmosphere is suffocating in the best possible way—drenched in cold, desolate melodies that embody the purest spirit of black metal. The vocals are a highlight, exuding pure torment with shrieking, skin-crawling intensity, while the drumming is tight and unrelenting, loaded with well-executed blast beats, crushing fills, and a sense of urgency that propels the music forward. And unlike many lo-fi recordings of its kind, the bass is not lost in the mix—on the contrary, it plays a vital role, adding an extra layer of depth and occasionally introducing unexpected melodic undercurrents beneath the guitar work.

Speaking of the guitars, they are nothing short of exceptional. Every riff drips with darkness, shifting between frantic tremolo-picked passages, eerie harmonies, and sorrowful, minor-key progressions. The layering of dual guitar melodies is particularly well-executed, adding a haunting depth to the overall sound. There isn’t a single weak track to be found here—each of the four originals is a triumph of raw, atmospheric black metal, and the Burzum cover pays perfect homage to the original while maintaining CELESTIA’s own distinct identity.

Dead Insecta Sequestration is an essential find for anyone devoted to the true spirit of black metal. If one can track it down, it’s the kind of release that will never leave the rotation—a rewarding and unforgettable listen that perfectly encapsulates the genre’s raw, despondent beauty.