Helgrind - Sick Rulers of Heaven (Black Metal)

The obscure and malevolent realms of black metal are known to spawn bands that embrace a raw and primal approach to music, delving into the depths of darkness with uncompromising intensity. Helgrind, the primitive and brutal black metal horde, have unleashed their latest opus, "Sick Rulers of Heaven", a sonic testament that exudes darkness and violence with a technical prowess that transcends their earlier works.

Building upon the foundation laid by their debut album "Demon Rituals" and sophomore offering "Dark War Blood", Helgrind has honed their craft to create an album that is more intricate and technically proficient, while retaining their signature rawness and aggression. The result is a black metal masterpiece that commands attention with its sheer ferocity.

From the opening track "The Devil's Laughter", Helgrind sets the tone for the album with blistering riffs, thunderous drums, and guttural vocals that invoke a sense of impending doom. The album's dark and sinister atmosphere is further amplified by tracks like "Before the Sentence of the Wicked Gods" and "Rodnil's Sepulchral Plague", where Helgrind's mastery of instrumentation shines through, showcasing their technical prowess and musicianship.

One of the album's standout tracks, "To the Great Morbid Temple of Helgrind", draws upon the influence of Infester's "To the Depths... in Degradation" with its dissonant melodies and chaotic structures, creating a sense of unease and chaos that is both captivating and unsettling. Similarly, "Gaze at the Sightless and Loathsome Eye" and "Frozen Hellborn Death Elegy" exude a sense of macabre beauty amidst the darkness, reminiscent of Phantom's "The Epilogue to Sanity", showcasing Helgrind's ability to craft multifaceted compositions that push the boundaries of the genre.

Lyrically, "Sick Rulers of Heaven" delves into themes of desolation, blasphemy, and nihilism, painting a bleak and haunting picture of a world consumed by darkness. The vocals, delivered with a venomous and primal intensity, perfectly complement the music, creating an otherworldly aura that transports the listener to a realm of malevolent majesty.

Helgrind's "Sick Rulers of Heaven" is not for the faint-hearted. It is a sonic assault that revels in its darkness, embracing the primal and brutal aspects of black metal while pushing the boundaries of technicality. The album's production, with its raw and unpolished sound, adds to its authenticity, immersing the listener in its malevolent atmosphere.

To sum it up, "Sick Rulers of Heaven" is a testament to Helgrind's evolution as a band, showcasing their musical prowess and commitment to pushing the boundaries of black metal. It is an album that demands to be experienced with an open mind and a penchant for darkness. With influences from the likes of Infester and Phantom, Helgrind has created an album that will leave a lasting impression on the black metal landscape. "Sick Rulers of Heaven" is a triumph of primitive and brutal black metal, a symphony of darkness that beckons the listener to embrace the blackest of arts.