I picked up the digipak CD eagerly through Pulverised earlier this year and i am indeed thankful that i did!
I go back with the band’s founders to their Nihilistic Hate days, when they used to hang around at ‘ToMegatherion’ Studio Dungeon/Metal Store when i was co-running the place as a working/share partner. Good times! but let’s get back to the review at hand!
Draconis Infernum have been carrying the Singapore Black Metal banner for over two decades, brothers Chris and Colin never chasing trends or demanding attention. They simply let the music speak for itself, and that approach has earned them respect both at home and abroad. Having shared the stage with the likes of Archgoat, Impiety and Infernal Execrator, there’s no need for loud claims or self-promotion. Their catalogue says enough.
‘The Black Flames of Satan’ is built on strong riffs and solid songwriting. The band understands that memorable black metal isn’t just about relentless speed. Every track has its own identity, with enough variation to keep the album engaging from beginning to end. ‘Incense for the Forsaken’ sets the tone immediately, while the title track and ‘In Eternal Decay’ stand out with some of the album’s strongest guitar work and memorable melodies. The production powerful without becoming overly polished.
Musically, Draconis Infernum remain firmly rooted in traditional Black Metal, backed by a strong death metal undercurrent that gives the riffs extra weight. Chris, under the moniker Abysmal Spectre, delivers what is easily the strongest vocal performance in the band’s history. His rasp is deeper, more commanding and far more consistent than that of the band’s all previous vocalists, giving the songs an added level of menace without overwhelming the music.
Behind the artillery, Derrick Prawira known as Nocturnal Hellstorm, turns in a phenomenal performance. His drumming is relentless when it needs to be, with razor sharp blast beats and punishing double bass work, but he also knows when to ease the pace, allowing the riffs and atmosphere to breathe.
Together with the cold, cutting guitar tone, their performances elevate ‘The Black Flames of Satan’ into one of Draconis Infernum’s most complete and convincing releases to date.
What impresses me most is the band’s consistency. After more than twenty years, Draconis Infernum still sound hungry and committed to their craft writing quality songs and doing it exceptionally well.
‘The Black Flames of Satan’ is another strong chapter in the band’s discography and further proof that Singapore continues to produce world class Extreme Metal.
A solid fucking 696 Skulls!
