Black as the Blackest Black.
We must be in the realms of black metal because the band's logo is almost impossible to read. Thankfully my suspicions of 'Setherial' were confirmed by Windows media player, and then the room filled with an intense detonation of furious music. Long stayers of the Swedish black metal scene, Setherial have never really made the next level, often dwelling in the shadows of acts such as Marduk and Dark Funeral. But it can often be the case that the bands who don't get as much media attention bestowed on them, can be a genre's unsung heroes, a scene's most underrated and consistent artists. One can argue that black metal is far from receiving any great media attention, but I think the comparison, in extreme metal's hierarchy, is valid. Because Setherial's sixth release, 'Death Triumphant,' has a mark of quality that lifts it above the general mire of black metal.
Right from the first note of the first bar of the first song, 'Death Triumphant' attempts to rip the flesh from your bones. 'The Limbo of Insanity' beings and new vocalist Infaustus screams like a tortured banshee, before Mysteriis sends the music on it's way to hell with a vicious blast beat. Describing the music as vicious is perhaps most apt as the title track and 'With veins wide open' continue the constant barrage of sheer noise. There's very little let up in the intensity, and a good thing too. It seems that Setherial have crafted the art of writing black metal, because each song contains some strong ideas. 'Aeons of Bloodlust' (great title) in particular, is a collection of solid riffage sewn together with dead flesh to give it that macabre feel.
'Relinquishment from the unlighted chambers' finally gives the listener some rest bite by slowing the proceedings down a little. What this really gives you is the haunted perhaps tortured side of the band. Dashes of acoustic guitar and keyboards really add an extra dimension to, not only this track, but also the album as a whole. 'Inhale the Embers' contains a wonderful gothic style soundscape behind the thrashing, and it is details like this that make 'Death Triumphant' an appealing listen.
The vocals of Infaustus are perfect for this kind of sordid delivery. His rasp is nasty and cutting but at the same time easy to listen to. Not the easiest of tasks to perfect I'm sure you'll agree. The sound is tight although lacking a little in the bottom end, although this is a characteristic of the whole genre. Usually extra bass, when the ferocity of this type of music is taken into account, results in a clumsy deep sounding mush, causing many of the ideas to become un-discernible. Thankfully Setherial don't suffer from this which allow the guitar work, which is nothing short of excellent, to stand out. This style of playing coupled with the speed of the music, is a tribute to the talents of both Choronzon and Kraath. But it is the octopus style drumming of Mysteriis that is the jaw-dropping element on this disc. 'Devilry, Wickedness and Score,' and 'Curse of the Manifest' may not contain as many memorable ideas as the tracks that have previously exploded out of your speakers, but they're worth listening to for the sheer master class of speed drumming on offer.
Any fan of brutal extreme metal who likes subtle variation mixed in with an almost constant barrage of heavy noise, could do worse in picking up 'Death Triumphant.' Certainly the first half of this disk is worthy of attention and perhaps some of the best black metal I've heard in a long time. This is music that is foaming at the mouth with anger and intent, and you'll definitely won't find you're dad stealing this one from your collection to satisfy his suppressed rock cravings. Although their logo looks particularly tough and horrific, perhaps a more readable version should be adopted, if only to help me when I've not got my glasses on. If a band in the shadows of others write music like this, I hope they stay there. Fucking Brutal!