Traditional Blackened Steel! This album delivers epic anthems and blistering thrashers, all wrapped in a haunting atmosphere with supreme, grim vocals. A must for maniacs of Bathory, Immortal, Venom, Inquisition, and beyond!
After more than a decade of silence, Belgium’s Taranis returns with "Postmortem Spheres," proving that some legacies are simply too strong to remain buried. Helmed once again by Björn Desmet, the band’s resurrection brings forth a refined yet still fiercely traditional sound, seamlessly continuing their trajectory while embracing an even deeper connection to black and heavy metal’s earliest roots. Released under the ever-reliable Iron Pegasus Records, this latest offering stands as both a tribute to the past and a statement of renewed strength.
The core essence of Taranis remains intact: a powerful fusion of first-wave black metal, classic heavy metal, and early thrash. Fans of their self-titled 2007 debut and 2008’s "Flandriae" will find themselves right at home with the storm of raw, aggressive riffs and a deeply reverential nod to the ‘80s metal pantheon. The Venom and Bathory influences are ever-present, but "Postmortem Spheres" expands on this foundation, delving further into the eerie, unconventional melodicism reminiscent of Master’s Hammer. This shift adds a more arcane atmosphere to the band’s already potent formula, giving the record a distinctively haunting edge.
Tracks like "Night of the Banshee" and "The Soulbridge (Zuienkerke anno 1541)" showcase this evolution perfectly. The former hammers forth with relentless, Eastern European-tinged thrash riffing, echoing Hungary’s Tormentor, while the latter weaves a macabre folklore tale through eerie atmospherics and foreboding mid-paced sections. The lyrical themes, deeply rooted in Flemish history and mythology, remain a vital component of Taranis’ identity, further enriching the album’s immersive experience.
A notable progression lies in the vocal delivery. While the traditional black metal rasp is still dominant, there is an increased dynamic range, shifting into deeper, almost ritualistic tones akin to Attila Csihar’s (Mayhem) most evocative performances. This is particularly evident on "Haunting Mirrors" and "The Invocation of Cayin," where the slower, doom-laden passages allow for an even more commanding vocal presence. There are also subtle but effective incorporations of keyboards and eerie atmospheric elements, reinforcing the album’s occult and otherworldly feel without overshadowing the raw metallic core.
Ultimately, "Postmortem Spheres" stands as Taranis’ most accomplished work to date. While retaining the unpolished charm of their early releases, the album refines their sound with stronger compositions, more varied vocal performances, and an intensified emphasis on the arcane. Fans of classic black/thrash metal, particularly those drawn to the mystical aura of early Samael, Ancient Rites, and Necromantia, will find much to appreciate here. This is not an album chasing trends; it is a statement of authenticity, a triumphant return that solidifies Taranis’ place in the pantheon of underground metal.
