I’ll admit from the get-go that I often use the country from where the band (and album) to be reviewed are from, as a way to help start me off, and Skjult from Cuba are no exception in this regard.
Cuban Black Metal? Astonishing stuff, truly. I’ll also admit that I have only one other album in my collection from another Black Metal band from Cuba, that being the self-titled 2022 effort from fellow Black Metallers, Ancestor Of Kaos.
As for Skjult, this release is still fresh, being released in early August from Satanath Records (a co-release with End Of Time Records) and is seven tracks of stellar, driven and highly polished Black Metal.
From the moment the opening track ‘Antagonist I Am’ hits you, you are pummelled and assaulted with precise, clinical and vitriolic Black Metal; the drums loud and thunderous, with churning and at times melodic riffs augmenting tracks like ‘Ánima Oscura’, ‘The Light Within The Darkness’ and the title track itself.
The production is a highlight too, as the vocals are snarled, nasty and spiteful; the sound throughout clear and ferocious and a treat when listening to the album in its entirety.
The approach of Skjult is reminiscent of fierce and intense Black Metal bands to this reviewer and evokes such feelings from acts like Finland’s Aegrus, Poland’s Azarath and Sweden’s Flykt; three bands who relish the tenacity and passion of spirited Black Metal.
At just over 41 minutes, it’s a superb listen, never feeling rushed nor dragging its feet. If I had one tiny nitpick, it would be to vary things just a tad more, maybe sprinkle in some isolated guitar solos or experiment more with the “clean” vocals from the fourth track, ‘The Light Within The Darkness’.
With that being said, it’s a great album and recommended for fans of aggressive, on-point and determined Black Metal.
