The Brazilian band Castrivenian may have only formed in 2024, but in that short time they’ve already managed to release two demos, a split, and now a full-length album. Their debut, ‘Reborn From The Ashes’, immediately hurls the listener back to the 1990s — evoking the cold, primitive spirit of Burzum, Darkthrone, and Satanic Warmaster, yet infused with a distinct South American edge.
Across nine tracks — two of them instrumental — the album tears through its 35-minute runtime with relentless aggression. It’s harsh, furious, and uncompromisingly true Black Metal. The Scandinavian influences are unmistakable in the icy riffs and hypnotic repetition, but Castrivenian injects enough of their own character to rise above mere imitation.
The production is raw and gritty, just as the genre demands, yet still clear enough to let every instrument breathe. The drums pound with a primal thud, the guitars cut like rusted blades, and the tortured vocals sound as if they’re echoing from a crypt deep underground.
What makes Reborn From The Ashes stand out most is its authentic passion and conviction. Castrivenian captures the essence of early Black Metal while adding a fiery South American energy that gives the record its own identity.
The only real drawback is the frequent use of fade-outs at the end of the songs. Several tracks feel like they could have continued naturally, but instead fade away just as the momentum peaks — something that could easily be improved on future releases.
In conclusion: Reborn From The Ashes is a ferocious blast of ’90s-inspired Black Metal — raw, aggressive, and overflowing with conviction. Available on CD via Signal Rex and on tape through WP&RO’s Productions, this is one release that fans of old-school Black Metal shouldn’t miss.
