Review by Kate on March 17, 2011.

Belphegor fans have been waiting with baited breath for the band’s new release, “Blood Magick Necromance” even though it’s only been a little over a year and a half since their previous release, “Walpurgis Rites”. Now that it’s here I can honestly say that people will not be disappointed by this intense and monstrous Black Metal album. Belphegor has managed to take Black Metal and Death Metal and combine them together into a melodic yet destructive beast.

'In Blood-Devour This Sanctify' rips open with furious blastbeats, incredible speed picking that characterizes Belphegor’s classic guitar riffs and Helmuth’s low growls and high shrieks presented solidly in traditional Black Metal deliverance. 'Rise To Fall And Fall To Rise' has more of an emphasized ambiance that is along the lines of Dimmu Borgir layered with symphonic overtones but still remains intensely sinister. The self-titled track shows some more traditional Death Metal influence that’s close to Morbid Angel before morphing back to Black Metal. One of the weaker tracks, if you can call it that, 'Discipline Through Punishment' slows down to more of a somber pace that drags on just a little too long for my taste. 'Possessed Burning Eyes 1997' is an amazingly crafted Black Metal track that convinced me that I will be listening to this album for a good long while.

Whether you’re focusing on the Black or Death Metal aspect of Belphegor's sound you cannot deny that this is an extremely well done album that offers a variety both sides of the spectrum can appreciate. From the musicianship to the writing, “Blood Magick Necromance” flows solidly and with a fury that surpasses others in the same genre.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Production: 7.5
Originality: 8
Overall: 7.5

Rating: 7.7 out 10

Review by JD on August 16, 2014.

Australia has a very eclectic metal scene, making us realize that it has more to offer us than just AC/DC and Airborne – way more. I have heard many incredible bands that simply made me get right into the down under scene a whole lot more.

Mechanical Organic is a band hailing from Melbourne Australia, and are packing some pretty interesting metal for the world. Giving us a very peculiar combination of Dream Theatre, Fates Warning, Queensryche, Black Label Society and Black Sabbath while melding in free jazz and even a touch of industrial in places. It is unique as fucking hell what this band develops.

The whole album oozes with this glorious pairing of chaotic talent and wondrous musicianship that seems to push the envelope of what they do to a new level and dimension. Songs line the very atmospheric haunting strains of "The Guiding Lie" to the mid-tempo nasty riffing that is the song "To Be King". I personally love "Empty Shell", but all of them seem to show just how powerful this band is.

Prog fans will love this album, but the fact is, you should never under estimate the heaviness and power which will attract many bangers as well. Mechanical Organic may not be the so called ‘norm’ here and for this old musician - that is the best news. They are a band trying to stand out and because they metaphorically stand alone in a large open field… mission fuckin’ accomplished, guys.

Rating: 9