Berserk – Cries of Blood and Hate

The name of this Spanish five-piece misled me slightly. I expected chaotic fare but Berserk actually peddle an epic, melodic strain of Black Metal. ‘Cries of Blood and Hate’ is their third full-length and apparently represents their most aggressive work yet but I would still only recommend this to listeners who prefer a substantial slice of melody in their darkness. Maybe more appropriate to fans of Dark Fortress than Marduk. (I was going to say Watain, but their new album is surprising…)

This kind of music seems to be becoming more popular by the day, and Berserk do what they do well, mixing the brutality and serenity seamlessly. You couldn’t fault the musicianship of Forjstorm, Frozen Wind and co. and if you like melodic Black/Death then you can hardly go wrong with this. Berserk have toured with the likes of Behemoth and Arkhon Infaustus but their music definitely isn’t as intense as either of these.

Recorded in sunny Spain and mastered in the popular Toproom in nihilistic Norway (thus the schizophrenia of the music), ‘Cries of Blood and Hate’ is perfectly executed and supremely produced. It’s clean, crisp and pleasant on the ear. It’s more than a bit pagan-y too. I don’t know if Black Metal was ever meant to sound like this, but there you go…