Artist: Infernal Angels
Country: Italy
Label: Immortal Frost Productions
Formats: LP / CD
Year: 2023
Infernal Angels is such a band that I have heard of before, but only by name. Despite the fact that the band is presenting their sixth full-length album (not counting the other four miscellaneous releases) no music of this Italian Black Metal band ever reached my ears before. That meant that I had some catching up to do, but I can’t say it was much of a punishment to go through the band’s back catalogue.
Having heard the majority of the band’s previously released work, it is fair to say that the band has stayed true to their musical course, at least for the most part. Of course, in the smaller details there are some differences to be discerned, but the very core of Infernal Angels has been kept intact and treated with care. That core can best be described as fairly up-tempo Black Metal that mostly follows a rather unadventurous formula. The result is a rather smooth sounding Black Metal record that basically has it all. From blasting rhythms to catchy melodies and its slight Death Metal-tinged sound and extra dynamics are finishing the deal.
If a comparison should be made, I think that saying Infernal Angels are finding the middle ground between both later Watain, Marduk and Behemoth. Or, especially in a song like ‘A Gateway To Purification’ the band creeps awfully close up to Inquisition, listen to that opening riff and you’ll know. Yet, fairness dictates that Infernal Angels has not yet reached that same level of catchiness and overall effectiveness. Especially in the general sound of the album there is something to gain as ‘Shrine Of Black Fire’ sounds a bit flat, lacking a bit of depth and texture.
It might not venture into uncharted territories nor will it ever really surprise you, still, ‘Shrine Of Black Fire’ is a solid Black Metal record. If you are into the later records of the four bands I mentioned as references, this might very well be an album that you could consider to give a try.
