Teufelsdom is a black metal band hailing from Saint Petersburg, Russia. After releasing two demos in 2024 and 2025, the band unveiled their first eponymous album at the end of 2025 via the Primitive Devil Worship label, in digital and limited edition CD formats. The album is also set to be reissued next February by Southern Soundclash Records, again on CD and in a limited edition. Teufelsdom translates from German to English as ‘Devil's Cathedral’.
Teufelsdom is an album consisting of eight tracks with a total running time of 37:53. The Russian band offers black metal in its rawest and most primitive form. The guitars are saturated and sharp, and the drums hammer relentlessly. The overall atmosphere is deeply evil and menacing, based on a structure made up of multiple layers alternating between fast tempos and slower passages. The vocals, shrill and anguished, remain generally consistent throughout the album, with a few exceptions. Within this raw approach, several melodic layers emerge: some very subtle, others much more audible. As for the production, I find it highly effective and perfectly in line with the genre’s aesthetics.
The album opens with the track Тень предвечного зла (Shadow of Primordial Evil) and, from the very first seconds, the tone is set without any preliminaries. From 3:24 onwards, a heavy atmosphere sets in and reinforces the evil nature of the song. I also really enjoyed the final guitar notes, which are sharper and more incisive. Проклинаю тебя (I Lay Curse Upon Thee) maintains this pace, and at 0:58 a malevolent aura appears, accompanied by diabolical narration. On Башня (The Tower), I was immediately captivated by the introductory melodies, before the song quickly shifts into a very fast and raw escalation. From 1:23 onwards, melodies emerge again. This track stands out for its frequent changes in rhythm, alternating between raw passages and more melodic sections. At 2:57, the guitars and drums slow down to make way for piano touches, flirting with a mystical aura that enriches the composition. Adamas Ater is a truly dark ballad, carried by haunting melodies. The vocals kick in at 1:22, accompanied by melodic, sharp and almost strident guitars. From 2:58 onwards, the composition becomes heavier and more occult. In my opinion, this is the standout track on the album.
With Некромантия (Necromancy), Teufelsdom establishes a ritualistic sound through a slow composition, before the frenetic rhythm returns at 0:51. At 2:13, the soundscape becomes significantly more violent, carried by pounding drums and saturated, tortured guitars. Сад гнилых костей (Garden of Rotten Bones) continues the rhythmic flow of the first two tracks, with an explosion of sonic violence at 0:55 marked by tormented and anguished vocals, a passage that I particularly enjoyed. On Огненный ад проклятых (Flaming Netherworld of the Damned), I noticed the scream at 0:44, as well as the guitar notes starting at 2:06. The last track Плетущая тенёта сновидений (A Weaving Web of Dreams) begins on a calmer note, quickly engulfed by an avalanche of sound. I really liked the transition at 4:17, as well as the very sharp solo that comes in at 4:52.
Teufelsdom delivers a debut album that stays true to the roots of raw and primitive black metal, while incorporating well-balanced melodic and atmospheric nuances, supported by consistent production and solid compositions. A direct, uncompromising work.
My favourite tracks: Adamas Ater and Плетущая тенёта сновидений (A Weaving Web of Dreams)
