Review by Fernando on December 31, 2022.

Japan has long been a wellspring of extreme metal, even if the country’s metal scene is somewhat underrated barring a handful of bands. That being said, their blackened thrash and speed scene is a reliable source of bands, and such is the case with Bafomet, and their debut LP, F​.​O​.​A​.​D​.​I​.​F. released by Black Konflik and reissued by Iron Fist Productions and Nuclear War Now! Productions.

So, Bafomet (previously known as Sigil of Bafomet) are indeed a Japanese black/speed metal band that play in the same vein as cult acts like Barbatos and Sabbat, but with a strong leaning into speed metal a la Midnight from the US, and the most interesting fact about this band, is that its founder, vocalist and bassist, “Vladphemer the Sodomizerr” is actually Chilean. Why is this interesting? Well, to put it simply, Bafomet’s style while easy to catalog as black/speed, has 2 qualities that make it a noteworthy band, and it's how the music is a perfect blend of vintage “old metal” (as Fenriz would say), and blackened speed.

The primary characteristic is how this a very catchy and energetic record, the riffs are appropriately evil sounding, yet bouncy, and when combined with the d-beat drums, make the music accessible without losing grit, as this is still a very ferocious record. Vladphemer is also a very versatile a charismatic vocalist, he of course has the mandatory raspy and reverb drenched growls one would expect for any style under the black metal umbrella, but he can also soar with the clean vocals. For the songs ‘Satánico Heavy Metal’ and ‘Burning High’, which are pure speed metal, complete with NWOBHM style melodies and wailing solos, but more impressively, the band keep the blackened grit, even when Vladphemer is clean singing in Spanish and Japanese.

While this is a very enjoyable record I can recommend to anyone who wants a more raw metal record that isn’t pure extremity. There’s one criticism I do have, and it starts with the Barbatos cover, which is ok, and fits with the band’s overall style and performance, and it's that the band comes dangerously close to just being a revivalist band, granted Vladphemer and co. do a really good job of playing vintage blackened speed, and clearly have passion for this niche, but as a whole, and taking into consideration the 2 tracks with clean singing I kept thinking about what this band could pull off without being constrained to a single, very specific style. But that’s just me looking for this band to scratch an itch they clearly aren’t interested in doing now, and it doesn’t take away how good the performances, production and overall presentation is. That being said, the cassette and CD covers that feature the Bathory goat don’t really help the band to avoid “worship band” accusations, but that’s besides the point.

Overall, and to close off this year, a Japanese blackened speed band with strong heavy metal leanings, fronted by a Chilean bassist managed to be one last surprise this year with a very promising debut record. Even if the band doesn't do anything all that new, this is still a good time record, I also advise playing it loud with beers.

Best tracks: 'F.O.A.D.I.F.', 'Satánico Heavy Metal', 'Burning High', '戦争儀式 (War Ritual)'

Rating: 8.2 out of 10