This is the thirteenth album from Finnish black metallers Azaghal.
Following on from 2018’s Valo Pohjoisesta 2023’s Alttarimme on Luista Tehty, the mighty Azaghal have now unleashed the 43-minute Nekrohelios on the world. What a beast it is too.
Nekrohelios offers up a furious and compelling hit of old-school Finnish black metal, delivered with modern production values and an intimate knowledge of the style. In contrast to the band’s two previous records, this new one digs deep into the past and unearths the early Azaghal spirits.
It’s a joy to hear this version of Azaghal once more. Casual listeners may think there’s little difference between this and their most recent work, but you can hear it quite clearly; Nekrohelios reeks of ancient darkness and spectral war cries.
This is a well-written record. Within its stylistic framework, the band showcase variety in pacing, dynamics, and structure. Azaghal know how to pen a good black metal tune, and Nekrohelios is packed with them. It’s all delivered with the trademark Azaghal flavour, and it’s great to hear the band so fired up and inspired.
The riffs are ferocious, yet also convey atmospheric depth. The melodies get under your skin, drawing blood and causing damage, but make you crave more and more. The vocals are fierce, lethal, and performed with sinister intensity and charismatic reach. Finally, creative enhancements and rich ideas pepper the record, enhancing the songs in a variety of impactful ways, be this a keyboard highlight, a clean vocal part, an acoustic break, or a distinctive riff or melody.
Nekrohelios is an absolutely killer record. It’s Azaghal at their best, recalling the early heights of classics like Mustamaa and Perkeleen Luoma, while still retaining the skills they’ve learned on more recent outings. Azaghal’s last two records have been strong and really enjoyable, but Nekrohelios takes their devotion to the blackened arts to a whole new level.
Essential listening.
Wonderbox Metal 