Review by Felix on December 28, 2023.

Due to the combination of density and harshness, it is sometimes hardly possible to gain access to the outputs of Azaghal. Not to mention the huge number of confusing Finnish song titles and lyrics. But mostly it is a worthwhile target to become familiar with the content of the respective album, because the long-lasting horde from the land of a thousand lakes has got the hang of it. I have no doubt that they inject themselves a venomous liquid which is composed of insanity, Satanism and vomit before they start to break the silence. Or do they gargle with corrosive acid? However, their black metal shines with the effectiveness of a vigilant predator and carrion is all that remains.

In spite of this generic approach, the band has always been able to integrate unexpected elements as well. With regard to the here presented album, "Filosofi" marks a great surprise. Its superficial shallowness is contrasted by a subliminal mixture of depression, desperation and world-weariness. The song captivates with its melodic yet painfully insistent chorus without lacking of depth. "Filosofi" is a brilliant number that adds a morbid touch to an album that sets the emphasis on unrelenting destruction. In other words, the band is completely in its element. Therefore, the strong overall performance is not surprising. Azaghal stay loyal to the sub genre and do not run out of ideas.

The album is gaining strength immediately after the slightly unspectacular opener. "XI Omega", the delayed quasi title track of the preceding full-length, offers this kind of stormy evil that makes black metal so incomparable. Right from the beginning, an upsetting riff produces a wall of sound. If the guitars would be able to speak, they would scream "this is war and the feeble bunch of wimps must be destroyed!". This does not exclude the integration of less harsh sections. Azaghal offer a less strict part, but they do it with ulterior motives. They just slow down the tempo in order to increase the explosiveness of the following part, which again celebrates an orgy of violence. "Pimeyden kutsu" shows a similar pattern, but the contrast between the dominant black metal sections and the soft part is even more extreme. Its folkloric appearance leaves its fine odour, although the sheer franticness of the remaining parts is naturally more impressive. Luckily, the album is full of genuine black metal parts and the average velocity exemplifies the band's will to underline its authenticity. Rather calm or meditative parts (in particular the beginning of the fifth track) remain exceptional.

"Teraphim" (a term from the Old Testament) is no flawless work. The rapid parts of the individual songs do not differ very much from each other. Furthermore, the re-recording of "Kyy" does not make sense. Nevertheless, the here presented output can be understood as a further example of the cruel aroma of Finnish black metal. Despite the dominance of destructiveness, the songs do not appear one-dimensional or narrow-minded. Quite irrespective of the quality of compositions, the album is also equipped with a suitable sound. I am therefore convinced that black metal fans are well advised to lend an ear to "Teraphim". No doubt, it embodies the philosophy of the sub genre in an exciting manner.

Rating: 7.7 out of 10