High quality End All Life reissue of the DEATHSPELL OMEGA classic on vinyl.
Inquisitors of Satan by Deathspell Omega marks a significant point in the band's early career, where their raw, unrefined energy began to take shape into something more menacing and powerful. From the very first track, listeners are thrust into a dark, aggressive atmosphere that captures the essence of true black metal. It’s an album that showcases the band’s emerging potential, delivering a relentless assault that still holds up.
The standout feature of this album is undoubtedly the guitar work. The riffs are fast, ferocious, and intricately crafted, creating an aura of controlled chaos. While the repetition of some riffs might seem monotonous to some, they contribute to the album’s hypnotic quality, pulling listeners deeper into the grim world Deathspell Omega creates. The complexity of the guitar parts reflects the band’s musical prowess, and even those outside of the black metal sphere might find themselves appreciating the technical skill on display.
Shaxul’s vocal performance is another high point. His piercing, high-pitched screams add an edge of ferocity and raw emotion, especially on tracks like “Succubus of All Vices.” His delivery is intense, full of rage and passion, giving the album a sense of urgency. While some might speculate about how Inquisitors of Satan would have sounded with Themgoroth at the helm, Shaxul more than proves his worth here, holding his own and delivering an impressive performance.
The drumming is fairly straightforward, with blast beats dominating much of the album. Though not particularly innovative, it complements the unrelenting speed and intensity of the music. The real stars here are the guitars, but the drumming holds the rhythm together, ensuring the album maintains its blistering pace from start to finish.
While Inquisitors of Satan might not have the deeply unsettling, avant-garde elements of later Deathspell Omega releases, it remains a raw and essential black metal record. It’s a pivotal album in the band’s discography, capturing a moment when they were on the cusp of something greater. For fans of black metal, this is a must-have, as it delivers everything the genre demands—dark atmosphere, punishing riffs, and a relentless pace. It may not be the band’s magnum opus, but it stands as a crucial piece in their evolution and a powerful testament to their early sound.
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