If you’ve ever found yourself wishing for a side of 70’s mysticism and sleazy occult rock with your Black Metal, then you’re in luck as Slovenia’s Ensanguinate have something delicious for you.
From dramatic Gothic instrumental sections to bluesy guitar work and Thrash alongside the kind of vocals and production you expect from a Black Metal outfit, there is an interesting mixture of genres here that may not be obvious upon first listen, but this is the kind of offering that requires some time and several playthroughs to truly appreciate. ‘On Wings of Bone’ is far more rhythmic than one might anticipate whilst still feeling raw whilst ‘Savage Hunger Far Beyond’ demonstrates that Ensanguinate are also capable of straight up furious Black Metal.
‘Death Saturnalia (With Temples Below)’ is an ode to the female form in occultism and perhaps this is what gives it the almost sensual, dirty rock feel. It would be tempting to say it’s simply a decent entry into this year’s Black Metal releases, but songs like the upbeat yet ominous ‘Gloaming’ and ‘Daughter to Cain’ with its clean vocal element genuinely make this album something a little different that fans of Repugnant, Watain, Nifelheim and Morbid should find themselves enjoying.
