
Earlier this year, I passed on writing about Under The Cold Moon but the YouTube algorithm has surfaced Warlock Corpse's recent live shows. They are a delightful reinvigoration of raw Black Metal energy. The band's quirky fusion of deranged Dungeon Synth a breath of fresh air in an aging scene. Previously an occultic one man band, this live act had me thinking on the arrangements I heard on this dusky album. Now it all makes sense, they recorded this one as an actual band.
Despite seeming more like a traditional Black Metal record, a punkier, less bleak energy drives its harsh guitars and pounding bass. Cheesy Casio and Korg aesthetic synths penetrate the metallic menace with flushes of toxic color across nightly fogs. Everything is simplistic and energetic. Alternating A/B structures and Heavy Metal groove push its gravely momentum into cheap and cheery horror motifs.
Atop its oddity remains those snarling vocal howls. Distinct and charming, they do become somewhat of a "one trick pony" as the same cadence from low to linger on a high gets recycled consistently. No song here strides for greatness. It's more of a Vibes record, where you settle into this ghoulish mood as it runs through a bunch of gruesome riffs and eerie melodies. Highlights included Three Corpses By The Road and the end track Cursed Circle. Dabbling with dirty distorted synth effects for a grand conclusion. A spark of potential for something a little more unusual and involved.
Rating: 6/10













