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BELPHEGOR: TOTENRITUAL

BELPHEGOR: TOTENRITUAL

   The only way to describe the intensity and sound of Belphegor's 11th full-length album, Totenritual, is that it is the musical equivalent of being hit by a massive, Satanic, Blackened Death Metal train, which has been covered in nails and goat skulls, and is also on fire. 
   Totenritual is easily Belphegor's most punishing and extreme album to date, noticeably turning up the extremity after previous assault, Conjuring The Dead. Opening track, "Baphomet" sets the tone for the rest of the album perfectly, launching head first into a Black Metal abyss of pounding, machine gun drumming, unhallowed vocals and horrifically distorted riffs. The banshee-esque shrieks that follow the sample introduction of, "The Devil's Son", are nothing short of terrifying and awe-inspiring. The rest of the song is utterly delightful too, as Belphegor demonstrate, with extreme force, just how Black Metal should be done. 
   Laden heavy with merciless brutality, unrelenting speed, chilling atmospherics and slabs of rhythmic riffing, "Apophis - Black Dragon", is a standout moment on Totenritual. The trance inducing groove of this diabolical track is dangerously good. 
   The utterly magnificent barbarity of "Totenkult - Exegesis Of Deterioration" follows and keeps up the pace, leaning heavily towards the Behemoth style of Blackened Death-Metal before instrumental piece, "Totenbeschworer", provides a welcome interlude, aiding in the appreciation of, and preparing your fragile body and soul, for the onslaught of; "Spell Of Reflection" and "Embracing A Star". The crushing waves of break-down riffing displayed on these tracks in particular, gives any Deathcore band some serious competition. This double-blow shows Belphegor on top form and in full flow, with some of the greatest musicianship and most amazing vocal performances of the entire album. 
   The brilliant "Embracing A Star", leads seamlessly into closing title track, "Totenritual", a 2 minute Black Metal barrage which descends into a disturbing soundscape, bringing the spectacular album to a fitting conclusion.
   Overall, the Blackened Death-Metal fury witnessed on this album is second to none. If you appreciate extreme, Lucifer worshiping music, or Belphegor, then this album is all you need to hear. 

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