Immolith ~ StormDragon (Metalhit.com)
Release Date: February 14, 2012
It’s hard to be original in the dark abyss that is black metal. Hell, it’s hard enough to even make it anywhere in the genre without being called imitator or copycat. Well, let me introduce you to Immolith, four black metal demons that hail from New Jersey. They may not be the most original but they do have a very distinctive sound and yet are diverse enough to keep things exciting. The band was formed in 2008 and after releasing a demo and an EP, they are now set to release their debut album, StormDragon, on Valentines Day. Produced by Chris Grigg (WOE, Candlelight Rec.), Storm Dragon is a full-fledged, no frills, black metal assault on the senses. This is straight-forward US black metal at its finest!
If you don’t know much about Immolith, you really need to check them out. The band came up with the name Immolith because it was a kick ass demon and a perfect name for a black metal band that hadn’t been used up yet.
Infernus (Gorgoroth) picked them up for his label, Forces of Satan Records, but ultimately the band will release StormDragon through Metalhit.com. The band’s influences include Dark Funeral, Gorgoroth, Immortal, Bathory, Venom and more. And while we aren’t ready to compare these USA boys to black metal giants such as Sweden’s Dark Funeral or Norway’s Gorgoroth, they are definitely on the right track. Isiamon’s screams are black as hell, bringing feelings of evil, darkness and despair and they meld perfectly with the crushing metal. The band will be opening for a NYC Dark Funeral show in January 2012.
According to the band’s bio, “Immolith was conjured on Dies Veneris October xxxi MMVIII with only one goal; to perform blackened rituals in the grand tradition of old school evil black metal!”
This ritual starts off as any good black metal album should with “The Invocation,” a hellish, 55 second mood setting intro of demonic voices growling.
“Torch of Baphomet” comes at you head-on in a rush of snarls, screams and fierce tempo. A raw and punishing tune, it’s a perfect opener for this album.
“Rites of the Blood Moon” is a blazing tempo terror, speedy and harsh. The first several tracks here really set the mood for the entire album.
The title track, “Storm Dragon,” starts out a little slower than the previous songs but it soon equals their frenetic pace as it turns into a black metal fury. One of the standout tracks on the album.
“The Ghost Tower of Inverness,” “The Obsidian Throne of Azazel” and “Hymns to the Countess” all follow suit of the previous songs. Blistering riffs, demonic growls, and powerful drum work continue this dark and diabolical assault on all that is good and holy.
“A Pact of Blood” may be my favorite on the album. Not as up-tempo as some of the earlier tracks perhaps but it is dark and brutal. It’s also the longest track at six-and-a-half minutes long. All the songs are decent in length, ranging from four-six minutes each.
This album came from the pits of hell and it’s unleashing its demonic seed upon the minions of the world. I look forward to seeing how far these progenies of the unholy can take this ride, I see great things ahead.
Rating 8.2/10
Immolith is: Isiamon- Guitar and Vocals, Prolixus: Guitar/backing vox, Void:Drums, Tizon: Bass/backing vox
Track Listing:
The Invocation
Torch Of Baphomet
Rites Of The Blood Moon
Storm Dragon
The Ghost Of Inverness
The Obsidian Throne Of Azazel
Hymns To The Countess
A Pact Of Blood
