This is the third album from Shaarimoth, a blackened death metal band from Norway.
Shaarimoth return with Devildom, a new 43 minutes of material. After a considerable gap since their last album, (2017’s Temple of the Adversarial Fire), I knew I wanted to make sure I immersed myself in the band’s dark blackened death metal once more. Shaarimoth haven’t been totally absent though during that time though, as in 2021 they also contributed to a split release with Thy Darkened Shade, Amestigon and Inconcessus Lux Lucis called SamaeLilith: A Conjunction of the Fireborn.
Devildom is a dark feast of mysterious, occult extremity. Whereas normally something like this would be given form via esoteric black metal, here it is the sonic strength of death metal that’s the chosen medium. Having said that though, you can still feel the malevolent touch of blackened claws throughout Devildom. This is, after all, an arcane version of blackened death metal, and it’s a well-crafted one at that.
Shaarimoth construct their art with the finest of corrupt materials, using them to shape structures of terrifying worship. The songs combine muscular metallic weight with affecting melodic might and a covering of occult darkness. It’s an effective combination, with the melodies in particular being quite potent. There is a lot to like here, as Shaarimoth know what they’re doing, and there are riffs and atmospheres aplenty to immerse yourself in completely.
As a rough overview, Devildom presents as an exotic mix of bands such as Celtic Frost, Morbid Angel, Melechesh, Behemoth, and Nile. Shaarimoth, in various places, put me in mind of these bands and more, yet manage to do so without lessening their own impact. In other words, Shaarimoth have managed to forge their own character within these reference points, making for music that can be listened to on its own merits.
I enjoyed Devildom. It offers a lot of meaty content to explore, (along with some unnecessary interludes), and overall is a worthy addition to their slowly increasing discography.
Highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 