This is the second album from US Black Metallers Bog of the Infidel.
Bog of the Infidel play raw, orthodox Black Metal that sounds like it was recorded in an underground cavern by cultists. If you’re after the more sanitised, commercialised version of Black Metal then this won’t be for you. At all.
Fast and full of frozen melodies, this Black Metal horde have produced an album that’s true to the second wave aesthetics. The songs are full of nightmarish auras and although it’s usually always of a faster tempo, the band still make the most of the dark atmospheres that they create.
The inclusion of some proper guitar solos and nefarious leads is a nice touch, adding another aspect to the songs. These are quite uncommon when it comes to Black Metal, and I like that there are some extended guitar workouts on this release. The band also throw in some acoustic interludes and other softer moments, almost as a panacea against the grim tides of poison that they normally spew forth.
Dark, growling vocals that sound utterly inhuman populate the fields of bones that the band stalk through. Occasionally enhanced by more traditional sounding screams, the vocalist performs his role with the ease of a practised veteran.
I really like a bit of raw Black Metal when it’s done well, and Bog of the Infidel know what they’re doing with the style. This is an album full of malevolence and evil moods crafted by people with knack for this kind of thing.
A recommended listen for all fans of the genre.
Wonderbox Metal 