Diabolic Oath have established themselves through a chaotic and enveloping blend of Black/Death metal, where the instruments intertwine to create a dense and suffocating sound. Their compositions alternate atmospheric passages with bursts of instrumental violence, gradually building an overwhelming sense of intensity. On ‘Unholy Barbaric Hymns’, the band adopts a rawer and more direct approach, with a drier production that alters some of the nuances that have defined their previous releases.
One of the most noticeable changes lies in the drums, whose sound maintains a constant, straightforward pounding throughout the EP. This choice affects the way the instrumental passages unfold: although moments of intensity and tension remain, the atmosphere is less prominent than on previous releases. The bass, meanwhile, provides a solid foundation and contributes to the stormy character of the compositions.
The second track, ‘Radiant Mars, Reveal the Spear of War’, and the fourth, ‘Within the Jaws of Lecherous Fire’, best capture the band’s established sound. In both, malignant riffs gradually unfold before giving way to chaotic passages driven by blast beats. The bass helps build a stormy atmosphere that intensifies when the tempo slows down, creating the sensation of a vortex dragging everything into the abyss.
‘Vomiting Flames in Rapturous Conflagration’, on the other hand, takes a more bestial approach. The drums, guitars, and bass acquire an acidic, corrosive character, while the tearing vocals reinforce the impression of a war hymn summoning its hordes. Vocals are, in fact, among the EP’s strongest elements: the growls and harsher passages are delivered with conviction, giving this release a distinctive character.
The opening track, ‘Emblazoned Upon Ebony Winds’, is less compelling within the context of the EP. Its approach seems to stray somewhat further from the sound that has characterized Diabolic Oath, an impression that becomes apparent from the very beginning and is also related to the production.
‘Unholy Barbaric Hymns’ offers moments of considerable violence and tension, revealing a rawer and more direct side of Diabolic Oath. Although this approach does not fully bring out all the elements that have shaped the band’s distinctive sound, it remains an interesting release for those who enjoy the harsher and more chaotic expressions of black/death metal. It will be interesting to see where this sonic exploration takes the band next.
