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Taranis, named after the Celtic god of thunder, emerged from Belgium with a sound as forceful as the storms their namesake commanded. Their self-titled debut stands as a testament to their ability to weave blackened thrash with traditional heavy metal elements, creating an album that is both aggressive and captivating.
This debut album from the new band is a simple, straight-ahead, and effective offering of old-school mid-tempo Black Metal from Flanders. It combines classic song structures with a nasty, gnarly voice that feels like the spirit of black metal's greatest frontmen—think Abbath, Devil Lee Rot, and Quorthon all channeled into one primal force. The raw, hoarse rasp gives each track an added bite, perfectly capturing the essence of black metal’s darkest corners.
From the very start, the album bursts forth with galloping riffs and sharp, incisive drumming, setting a relentless pace. The band’s approach balances speed and intensity with a sense of melody, making for a dynamic listening experience. Tracks like Teutonic Invasion showcase this fusion perfectly—an anthemic chorus paired with blistering instrumentation that never loses its grip. Meanwhile, Blessed in Fire offers a different shade of the band’s craft, shifting towards a slower, brooding atmosphere that lingers long after the final notes fade.
There’s a certain hymnic quality to the album, as Taranis has the ability to evoke the same kind of feeling found in early Bathory—a primal, almost ritualistic essence, as the heavy leads and mid-paced sections create a unique atmosphere. The production, while raw, allows the instruments to shine, giving the guitars a cutting edge and the vocals an urgent, commanding presence. As the album progresses, the songwriting remains consistent, though the most immediate and memorable moments come in the first half. Still, even when the melodies become more subdued, the band's energy never truly wanes.
Though Taranis would only release two full-length albums before disbanding, their debut remains a powerful display of their abilities. This is a record that speaks to the raw passion and strength of underground metal—a worthy listen for anyone who craves the sound of thunder crashing through the battlefield.
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