Irae – Promiscuous Fire [EP]

Just a few years ago, we might have started a review of a Portuguese Black Metal band by saying that this sunny country by exception produces some Black Metal. However, this has not been a novelty for some time now, on the contrary. On the international scene, Portugal firmly stands its ground. Traditionally it may not be a classic Black Metal country, but in more recent history this has slowly changed. Bands such as Black Cilice, Mons Veneris and Candelabrum and labels like Altare Productions, Black Gangrene Productions and Signal Rex have accelerated matters significantly. Even though a new generation has emerged, that doesn’t mean that some veterans aren’t also still doing their bit. For example, one of the most prolific Portuguese Black Metal bands is probably still Irae, a one-man operation that has had its roots in the national scene for about a quarter of a century.

Perhaps not the most talked about Black Metal band from Portugal, but with its steady stream of solid releases, that’s not down to work ethic or quality. Sometimes it’s not always easy to pinpoint why one band gets a lot of attention while another does not. Anyway, let me put it this way: I hope their upcoming tour with Marduk will bring them some extra attention.

This new release is another fine example showing that Irae is not inferior to its many of its peers. Musically, it may not be very elevating in the sense of musical innovation or a genre-transcending nature, but its strength lies more in its recognizable traditions. Laced with classic Black Metal, the music harkens back to the mid and late 90’s but still has a contemporary touch through the more modern use of melody. In the process, the necessary dynamics are brought to the songs in an almost Thrash Metal-like manner, making a song like ‘Porco De Satanás’ reminiscent of Watain’s happier days. The closing ‘Endless Circle’ even has some echoes of the later Marduk records, making Irae’s sound less rooted in the Raw Black Metal traditions, but start to significantly lean towards the Swedish school of Black Metal. With that in mind, it could very well be that the Marduk fans showing up at this upcoming tour might actually pick up Irae a little easier.

As a musical bonus, by the way, we’re treated on some additional vocals by Obskuritatem, evidencing that Irae is not only firmly tied in their native scene, but a well-respected band on the international Black Metal stage as well.

Wrapping this all up, ‘Promiscuous Fire’ may not become an EP that you will pull out with great regularity, but it is another testament to the band’s quality. I think we should therefore see it mainly as a sop to an upcoming full-length album, which should follow up the 2022-dated ‘Assim Na Terra Como No Inferno’. I’m again looking forward to it…