Artist: Azatoth
Country: Finland
Label: Extremely Rotten Productions
Formats: LP / Cassette Tape / CD
Year: 2026
The Finnish Death Metal band Azatoth has come a long way. The band was formed by musicians who were around 14 and 15 years old at the time, so it is hardly surprising that their first two demos (from 2020 and 2021) did not immediately make a big impression. But the EP that followed, ‘Ungodly Carnage’ from 2022 (released in various formats by TÄH! Records, The Other Records and Iron Corpse), demonstrated a significant step forward. This was not just a band with potential; it also showed that a young age certainly need not be an obstacle to a deep understanding of the Death Metal genre. If there were still any doubters or critics after that EP, they will certainly be silenced after listening to ‘Carnal Lust Of Blasphemy’.
Whilst the leap to ‘Ungodly Carnage’ was already a significant one, the advancement to this first full-length album is, if possible, even greater. The previous work still bore unmistakable similarities to Finnish Death Metal and leaned heavily towards the somewhat older Cannibal Corpse and Monstrosity sound; in both respects, there is now hardly any trace of this. ‘Carnal Lust Of Blasphemy’ delivers a sound brimming with swirling riffs, demonic leads, impressive drumming and a roaring vocalist (see also Vināyakas): even Beethoven, in his most deaf period, would have no trouble recognising Morbid Angel and Immolation in this.
Listening to ‘Carnal Lust Of Blasphemy’, it’s almost impossible to imagine that these lads have only just passed the age of twenty. Every single composition, without exemption, is of an exceptionally high standard, with the band truly living up to their name. The riffs, the build-up and the transitions within the tracks all bear the hallmark of Trey Azagthoth and, taken as a whole, are hardly inferior to what bands such as Cruciamentum or Dead Congregation have to offer. However, compared to those two, Azatoth is slightly more riff-oriented and relies less heavily on the ‘doomy atmosphere’, so in that sense it has carved out a worthy place for itself amongst the greats of yesteryear and the contemporary scene.
Anyone who’s had their fill of run-of-the-mill Death Metal will find plenty to enjoy on Azatoth’s debut album. The reverse is also true: if you prefer your Death Metal without any fuss (there’s also a new Master album out). But regardless of your personal preferences, Azatoth’s development as a band is nothing short of impressive, and ‘Carnal Lust Of Blasphemy’ is undoubtedly one of the best Death Metal albums of the year.
