Review by Felix on September 19, 2025.

In many cases, successful companies have at least one thing in common: simple processes. A clear structure does no harm to any business unit and it used to be said that we Germans were the kings of organisation. But since I met my girlfriend, whose mother is not from Germany, I have my doubts about that. My gorgeous sweetheart is the embodiment of a system. She constantly works with to-do lists, monitors her finances meticulously, plans the weekly shopping... these are probably some of the reasons why she does so well in life; but I just remember that I actually wanted to say something completely different. Although the challenging tongue twister name Azelisassath does not indicate it, "Ablazen Winds", the comeback album of the formation, relies on absolutely simple arrangements. Do not think you need more than two spins to be familiar with each and every guitar line of the eight tracks plus outro. Good or bad?

Well, as always, it depends. From my point of view, the album delivers a direct and fast-acting dose of true or even trve black metal. Sometimes the glorious Moonblood come to my mind during the listening session, although the Swedes are less primitive than these Teutonic heroes of fascinating monotony. Anyway, I like the authentic aura of "Ablazen Winds" and I do not need narcissistic guitar excursions or comparable nonsense. The 32,5 minutes are filled to the brim with components whose only purpose is to serve the songs. Given this fact, we get a compact, fierce and bitter tasting performance that reflects the spirit of classics like "Pure Holocaust" or "Transilvanian Hunger". Okay, it does not reach the quality of these legendary and highly influential full-lengths, although even some (Swedish) Pest-like riffs are added. Nevertheless, there are a lot of truly recommendable tracks. Let me tell you something about some of them.

The title track kicks off the album in a grim and relentless manner, while the following "Weakened Form" has to struggle with its misleading name. Of course, the opposite is true: this track shows the band in a very strong form. Yes, there is absolutely nothing new to discover, but music is like love. I don't want anything new, I just want more of what I already have. This is what makes me happy, no experiments, no side steps. These two raging beasts at the beginning leave no doubt concerning the general direction of the output. "Beslept By The Demons" or the fanatic final regular assault "Dragged Through The Stars" underline this thesis, because they pick up the formula and the high speed of the opening double strike. On the other hand we have "Kingdom Of The Past", a less stormy but equally simply arranged number which does not fall by the wayside in terms of quality. I enjoy its dynamic double bass impulses and the guitar line, although the musicians repeat it again and again without mercy. Only one or two songs do not reach the surprisingly high standard of the album, but even they do not completely disappoint.

The misty production does justice to the musical content. Naturally, only jesters expect transparency, even though the mix does not fall victim to a total mishmash. It just fits the misanthropic attitude of the artists. To explain what I mean, the booklet tells us "no companionship, praise negativity", but this message would not have been necessary. The music and the mix speak for themselves. By the way, did I already say that the dynamic and sinister "Clawed In Clamoring Depths" also works very well, because the band relies on its system of simplicity once more? Yes, well-defined systems, clear processes and obvious structures are important. My girlfriend would certainly agree, if she would read this review. But her days as my girlfriend are counted. Next week she will become my wife. I cannot imagine a better change (read upgrade). Maybe not for her, but for me.

Rating: 7.9 out of 10