Review by Felix on February 25, 2025.

How credible are promotion sheets? Well, not at all, I guess. The one for Promiscuous Fire speaks of "timeless, medieval darkness", but in my humble opinion, there are absolutely no medieval sounding melodies. The artist who runs Irae concentrates on pretty linear song structures that do not totally lack atmosphere, but his focus is set on pressure and harshness. But another statement of the promo sheet is true. As far as I can say, the EP sounds less gloomy or, to use a less polite word, amateurish than his previous works. Compare it with the production of Lurking In The Depths and perhaps you will share my point of view. Promiscuous Fire profits from a solid mix that more or less meets international standards.

Irae's approach reminds me of bands like Greek's Sad, because there is a constant flow within a narrow stylistic frame. A malignant undertone characterises the guitar work and the genre-typical vocals can be described as harsh, raw and diabolic. Mainman Vulturius shows full dedication and his authentic performance is definitely a cool element of the EP, while the guitar lines commute between ordinary and well-done. Sometimes they lack depth and catchiness to a certain degree, but a lot of them hit the mark in "Porco De Satanás", the highlight of the output. Its fast sections as well as the sombre mid-tempo part in the centre of the song spread unholy vibrations and show the potential of this project – or band, because Vulturius was supported by a drummer for this release. Be that as it may, "Porco De Satanás" opens the door to the abyss in an exciting manner. The remaining three tracks indicate the artist's instinct for black metal aesthetics and a feeling for the right number of tempo changes at the right time. Nevertheless, some lines could be more expressive. Therefore, the final kick is missing, albeit some sections, for example a pretty melodic one in the middle of "Endless Circle" are really strong.

While I write this review, Irae are on tour with Marduk. So the bar is set high, too high for the lone wolf from Portugal. But people cannot live without ambitions and Promiscuous Fire is doubtlessly a (huge) step into the right direction. Coherent songs, technically precisely performed and with some trace elements of black metal spirituality. Not medieval, but vigorous and bloodthirsty. Maybe it is no EP that enters your all-time-favourites, but if you think the release sucks, than it is rather your music taste which leaves room for optimization.

Rating: 7.4 out of 10

Review by Felix on February 25, 2025.

How credible are promotion sheets? Well, not at all, I guess. The one for Promiscuous Fire speaks of "timeless, medieval darkness", but in my humble opinion, there are absolutely no medieval sounding melodies. The artist who runs Irae concentrates on pretty linear song structures that do not totally lack atmosphere, but his focus is set on pressure and harshness. But another statement of the promo sheet is true. As far as I can say, the EP sounds less gloomy or, to use a less polite word, amateurish than his previous works. Compare it with the production of Lurking In The Depths and perhaps you will share my point of view. Promiscuous Fire profits from a solid mix that more or less meets international standards.

Irae's approach reminds me of bands like Greek's Sad, because there is a constant flow within a narrow stylistic frame. A malignant undertone characterises the guitar work and the genre-typical vocals can be described as harsh, raw and diabolic. Mainman Vulturius shows full dedication and his authentic performance is definitely a cool element of the EP, while the guitar lines commute between ordinary and well-done. Sometimes they lack depth and catchiness to a certain degree, but a lot of them hit the mark in "Porco De Satanás", the highlight of the output. Its fast sections as well as the sombre mid-tempo part in the centre of the song spread unholy vibrations and show the potential of this project – or band, because Vulturius was supported by a drummer for this release. Be that as it may, "Porco De Satanás" opens the door to the abyss in an exciting manner. The remaining three tracks indicate the artist's instinct for black metal aesthetics and a feeling for the right number of tempo changes at the right time. Nevertheless, some lines could be more expressive. Therefore, the final kick is missing, albeit some sections, for example a pretty melodic one in the middle of "Endless Circle" are really strong.

While I write this review, Irae are on tour with Marduk. So the bar is set high, too high for the lone wolf from Portugal. But people cannot live without ambitions and Promiscuous Fire is doubtlessly a (huge) step into the right direction. Coherent songs, technically precisely performed and with some trace elements of black metal spirituality. Not medieval, but vigorous and bloodthirsty. Maybe it is no EP that enters your all-time-favourites, but if you think the release sucks, than it is rather your music taste which leaves room for optimization.

Rating: 7.4 out of 10