Symphonic Black Metal is on somewhat of a return to glory. First, Carach Angren took on the bigger stages of the Metal world to rival only long-runners Dimmu Borgir and Cradle Of Filth. Not too long after came Vargrav’s rise to power around ’18 to boast the subgenre’s stance in the underground. Fast forward to 2025 and it’s Suffering Souls turn to stir the dark waters and add to rise of Symphonic Black Metal.
The band was formed by Lord Esgaroth around 1994. Nowadays he’s still at the helm and does so solely on his own. In the past, he’s had a few dark souls accompanying him on his quest, but ever since 2002 Lord Esgaroth is going at it alone. Over the span of the band’s existence there were no fewer than six full-lengths and one EP. Last year’s offering ‘Twilight Ripping Souls Apart XXV’ is a re-recording of the debut album from some 25 years ago (hence the same title with added 25 in roman numerals). A celebration as one would have it. The original from 2000 is out of print (but up for steaming on the Suffering Souls Bandcamp page). This new album, too, contains two live tracks and the re-recorded ’99 EP ‘Cries of Silence’. The inclusion of the live tracks really wasn’t necessary as the runtime without them would’ve been around 57 minutes. Plus, these tracks ruin the flow considerably.
The tricky business of re-recording an album is that it oftentimes ruins the experience for fans of the original album. I’m not overly familiar with the 2000 version, so I’ll leave any sentiments along those lines aside. I’ve taken some time to listen to individual songs side by side and I’ve found out that there’s more going on than just plain re-recording. Lord Esgaroth has taken considerable time to flesh his compositions out, adding more leads and thrills and overall depth. Oh, and the drum programming has improved immensely! This time around, the drums actually sound organic and human.
The music itself is well executed Black Metal that borders on the theatrical side, which isn’t a rare trait for Symphonic acts. The overall sense is quite triumphant and malignant. Perhaps unfair to say, but I’ll think Ancient’s ‘Halls of Eternity’ would go well alongside Suffering Souls. Other parallels can be drawn to late nineties Dimmu Borgir or perhaps even some early Agathodaimon. The strongpoint here is, actually, Lord Esgaroth’s vocal delivery. His voice is razor sharp and his ability to sound both malign yet well pronounced is deserving of praise. The eternally duel between the guitars and the symphonic elements could have well ended in a slight victory for the guitars, as both instruments rush for the forefront. A factor I feel is lacking is the sticking power, as the mount of hooks is underwhelming. A few more earworm moments would’ve certainly raised ‘Twilight Ripping Souls Apart XXV’ to a higher level.
All in all, Suffering Souls have delivered a solid revamped album. The original is hardly worth listening for new fans, as it’s much more enjoyable to this stick to the XXV version. Will the band gain a whole lot of new followers after this move? I don’t think so, I feel that there’s not enough sticking power to break through to a slightly bigger audience. Just a few memorable moments more and Lord Esgaroth truly has a great album under his belt. I’m curious about his next offering though…
