Teraphim

Due to the combination of density and harshness, it is sometimes hardly possible to gain access to the outputs of Azaghal. Not to mention the huge number of confusing Finnish song titles and lyrics. But mostly it is a worthwhile target to become familiar with the content of the respective album, because the long-lasting horde from the land of a thousand lakes has got the hang of it. I have no doubt that they inject themselves a venomous liquid which is composed of insanity, Satanism and vomit before they start to break the silence. Or do they gargle with corrosive acid? However, their black metal shines with the effectiveness of a vigilant predator and carrion is all that remains.

In spite of this generic approach, the band has always been able to integrate unexpected elements as well. With regard to the here presented album, "Filosofi" marks a great surprise. Its superficial shallowness is contrasted by a subliminal mixture of depression, desperation and world-weariness. The song captivates with its melodic yet painfully insistent chorus without lacking of depth. "Filosofi" is a brilliant number that adds a morbid touch to an album that sets the emphasis on unrelenting destruction. In other words, the band is completely in its element. Therefore, the strong overall performance is not surprising. Azaghal stay loyal to the sub genre and do not run out of ideas.

The album is gaining strength immediately after the slightly unspectacular opener. "XI Omega", the delayed quasi title track of the preceding full-length, offers this kind of stormy evil that makes black metal so incomparable. Right from the beginning, an upsetting riff produces a wall of sound. If the guitars would be able to speak, they would scream "this is war and the feeble bunch of wimps must be destroyed!". This does not exclude the integration of less harsh sections. Azaghal offer a less strict part, but they do it with ulterior motives. They just slow down the tempo in order to increase the explosiveness of the following part, which again celebrates an orgy of violence. "Pimeyden kutsu" shows a similar pattern, but the contrast between the dominant black metal sections and the soft part is even more extreme. Its folkloric appearance leaves its fine odour, although the sheer franticness of the remaining parts is naturally more impressive. Luckily, the album is full of genuine black metal parts and the average velocity exemplifies the band's will to underline its authenticity. Rather calm or meditative parts (in particular the beginning of the fifth track) remain exceptional.

"Teraphim" (a term from the Old Testament) is no flawless work. The rapid parts of the individual songs do not differ very much from each other. Furthermore, the re-recording of "Kyy" does not make sense. Nevertheless, the here presented output can be understood as a further example of the cruel aroma of Finnish black metal. Despite the dominance of destructiveness, the songs do not appear one-dimensional or narrow-minded. Quite irrespective of the quality of compositions, the album is also equipped with a suitable sound. I am therefore convinced that black metal fans are well advised to lend an ear to "Teraphim". No doubt, it embodies the philosophy of the sub genre in an exciting manner.

Azaghal is another of Finland's most enduring black metal acts, and Teraphim is their 8th full-length. Though they've had their share of decent records (Codex Antitheus for example), I am actually most impressed by this new material, which may have dialed down the aggression slightly, but presents itself with a refined sense for songcraft, structure and melody.

The album begins with a blast as "Elilum - Suuri Tyhjyys" takes much inertia, yet the song is so carefully twisted in soaring melodies that it takes on an almost transcendental vibe. The main riff in "XI Omega" sounds like "Painkiller" if it were condensed into pummeling, savage black metal. "Filosofi" is a slower, creeping piece with a diabolic groove and wicked bridge. The dual vocals in the chorus make for a nice effect. "Teraphim - Puhdistava Tuli" surges with burst of speed metal riffing intertwined with some glorious backing vocals. "Hänen Musta Liekkinsä" weaves chants and choirs into an ever descending black hook. Other standout tracks include the sweeping "Uhrattu" and the short but thrashing "Kyy" with its bluesy leads.

Tonally, Teraphim is a tapestry of darkness through which moon rays of melody occasionally shine. The album features plenty of core black metal moments, but rather than just the latest blastfest it's got many different tempos and rhythms to maintain your level of interest. Few of the songs are super catchy, but they flow together well as a whole and this is the most memorable Azaghal album to date. That said, if you're only interested in the grimmest, raw Finnish black metal, you may wish to start with their earlier records.

-autothrall
http://www.fromthedustreturned.com

I bought the last album that came out on Moribund, Omega, when it first came out purely on a whim. Good Call. I am honestly not sure what the rep of Finnish Black Metal is, but I like it.

Azaghal have a formula, and while it changes some on this album, much is the same. Like "Omega" the riff heavy songs are placed in the forefront. "Terephim" is absolutley sick blackened thrash on tracks 1 through 3. This band can most definitly write a riff. Whoever writes the songs not only has a good sense of songwriting, but also a sick sense of when to put the "Oh fuck i have to pull these metal horns out while driving through a school zone" riff in the middle of things to spice up life. While there is lots of blazing metal, I focus on the mid-paced riffage. Like most people, I demand a hook in my song, at least one people. The majority of these songs have one. My favorite is track 3 "The Philosopher". The song starts off with a sick slow groove, then incorporates a marginally intricate arpeggio before returning to the riff with some sick bm vocals. While everything blasts and there is even some melody (both vocals and a very impressive lead line), in the song, it all remains very brutal. Later in the album (track 9) this is accentuated by a total thrasher. The guitarist can definitly write a riff.

I think the best explaination is that I am a Technical and Brutal Death Metal (and grind) fan who happens to like raw black metal on top of that. These songs are brutal and thrashy, that is for sure. While the slower riffage does continue throught the album (track 7 "Uhrattu" has a sick slow riff) the majority of the album begins to incorporate melodic death metal and the black metal you know and love. The "call of the dark" further expands on this with a very dark riffing reminisicent of Dissection. By the end of this song you are hooked on the speed picking brilliance that leads up to a melodic and interesting conclusion.

If you are a fan of the new school of BM that some people are serving these days (Watain, Deathspell Omega, Antaeus, etc) This band is for you. I like this band not because they can blast like the best (wich they can). Their hint of melody is good as well. I enjoy the fact that there are some thrash riffs played faster than they should be. I rate this close to the new Immortal album, the riffs make it all good.