Hailing from Birmingham, England, Arrogant Destruktor are a black metal band formed in 2012. Most bands of this genre that formed in the early 2010s are very good in my opinion. The British band are back this year with a new offering entitled The Old Spirit Remains, released on cassette in a limited edition of 60 copies via the label Vicious Witch Records. The album is also available on CD via the labels Satanath Records and The End of Time Records.
Consisting of eight tracks with a running time of 39:13, The Old Spirit Remains is an album that falls within the realm of violent black metal, featuring both fast and slower tempos, something evident right from the first track, Total Maniacal War!, through its very frequent tempo changes. Overall, heavy metal influences are evident in the composition, as on the track Swing of the Blade. I also note influences from early ’90s black metal, present throughout the album, but which are particularly apparent on the title track, The Old Spirit Remains, and on Frost Eternal. The atmosphere is sinister, exuding a satanic and hateful aura. This atmosphere is palpable in ceremonial tracks such as Obscured by Filth
The guitars are sharp and shrill, particularly during the faster passages. This is especially apparent on tracks such as Assandun and True Domination. A few subtle melodies can also be heard, such as on the track Swing of the Blade. The drumming is organic and heavy, lending the soundscape a deliberate sense of intensity. In my opinion, the best drumming is on tracks such as True Domination and Under the Church. But it is on Frost Eternal that you really feel a performance straight out of old-school black metal. The drums know no respite on this track, making it the most violent track on the album.
The vocals are harsh, strident and furious, drawing direct inspiration from old-school black metal. The best vocal delivery, in my opinion, can be heard on tracks such as Assandun. From 1:43 onwards, the vocal performance is abrupt and begins with a cutting scream, as it does on Under the Church. I also applaud the vocal performance on the track Obscured by Filth. The production is organic and raw, allowing the various elements to strike a finely nuanced balance, whilst remaining true to the spirit of black metal.
Among the moments and tracks I enjoyed the most is Assandun, for its bursts of speed and the intensity of the vocals (it’s a powerful track). On Swing of the Blade, from 3:15 onwards, I really liked the atmosphere that envelops the composition (heavy and palpable) followed by a well-placed solo from 4:20. On True Domination, from 4:14 onwards, I appreciated the arrangement and songwriting that brings the track to a close. My favourite track on the album is Under the Church, for its fast pace, its sombre atmosphere and its tempo changes. I think it’s the standout track on this release.
With The Old Spirit Remains, the British band have released an excellent album. It’s an album that captures the essence of black metal with its aggression and heavy metal-influenced balance, as well as its sinister and hatred-filled atmosphere. It’s a nuanced album that I’ve really enjoyed and will certainly be listening to again.
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