Despite presenting us with a new rendition of an earlier demo in February this year, it is notable that Unholy Vampyric Slaughter Sect has drastically slowed the pace of releasing new material after 2018 (a top year, with no less than eight releases). The exception is 2021 with four new split releases. But that Kane, the man behind the act, would rest on his laurels was not in line with expectations. Thankfully, then, here we have, still always somewhat unexpectedly, a new full-length album.
This follow-up to the good ‘The World Trapped In Vampyric Sway (Darker and Darker)’ (2020) is, like its predecessors, released by the elitists of Crown And Throne Ltd. And as always, you can get ready for a set of impenetrable extreme unorthodox Raw Black Metal. At least, that’s what I had braced myself for. But on ‘Anti-Cosmic Doctrine Of The New Blood Gods’, that’s not quite the case. Perhaps the most sound-defining element, the digital beats have largely disappeared, playing only very sporadic supporting roles. In their place, Kane has found more room for contrary riffs and swirling rhythm changes. This slightly dissonant, industrial and noisy slant, was also present on Unholy Vampyric Slaughter Sect’s previous releases, but it now occupies a much more prominent place. At times, it bears some resemblance to French Black Metal, the ultimate Raw Black Metal scene of the 90’s with the wilder ideas of Deathspell Omega or the more industrial moments of Blut Aus Nord. Still, Kane wouldn’t be who he is if he didn’t put his own spin on it anyway; Unholy Vampyric Slaughter Sect still remains a unique experience.
So while the act’s trademark sound seems to have largely been abandoned, on another level you get an equally intricate and unorthodox experience in return. Fans of the earlier work may be a little disappointed by the lack of those characterizing beats. And while it may not become the favourite of dedicated fans, with a little dedication and perseverance, they will be able to unravel ‘Anti-Cosmic Doctrine Of The New Blood Gods’ and place it effortlessly in this act’s discography.
