This is probably the most fucking ferocious album I have heard the entire year.It is also the most flawless melodic black/dark metal creation I have heard in an even longer time.It is indeed pretty close to perfection as the title suggests.
I think this record's strongest quality is the fact that it is very nuanced.It has every element a fan of doom,gothic and black metal could hope for.The soft accoustic guitar parts,the overall autumnal macabre feel draping you with its poetic and beautiful veil,and the often unpredictable and unforgettable melodies by which even the most agressive moments are driven.Most of the guitar work in here sticks in your mind,even though almost every track almost reaches the 9 minute mark.There is absolutely NO letdown moment for the whole lenght of the album,and if you don't believe so,you probably are reading the wrong review written by the wrong person on the wrong page.
The first track is probably the safest moment of the album,being a very well-crafted song but lacking the elements that make the rest of the album so original and delectable.''DARK PRIEST.''Lord Ahriman'''' is truthfully the first REAL song of the album that introduces you to the path that you will follow for the rest of your spiritual listening experience.There is a strong emphasis on the ambience and you really are taken to a different place while listening to the guitar work embodying the song.The most outstanding moment of the album,which is something most of you might have a hard time choosing,would have to be ''~ 333 ~ ( Purity 9 )''.The layering of the guitars at the beginning of the track are absolute hypnose.It really puts you in a state of complete fucking mental orgasm.There is really nothing else to be said about it.The track takes a lot of unexpected avenues,showcasing the absolutely remarkable songwriting ability of this band.It is probably the darkest song on the whole album,with all of its phases and somehow disturbing layering.
''AZAEL. 9 Lords ~ 9 Keys. Abyss-King'' is also a very beautiful and well-crafted song.Relatively down-tempo,but extremely addictive.
There is no filler.Not a single moment to make you feel something is lacking.This record is easily the best recommendation you could make to anyone who would like to be initiated to the darker side of metal.
Absolutely fucking DELECTABLE.
-Noch
Rating: 9.5/10
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