My Filthy Ashes / Voces de un corazón helado

Spanish bands attract more and more international attention, in particular some death metal formations like Teitanblood, but also, for example, the rumbling bastard Körgull the Exterminator. Black Coma and Inexorable End do not belong to the most prominent representatives of extreme Iberian art, but they send a sign of life with this split. The atmospheric artwork fills me with confidence and fortunately, the bands are able to deliver what the cover promises. Black metal without external influences is on the agenda.

Black Coma cover the whole spectrum of velocities. Blast beasts rarely occur, slowly meandering fragments of melancholy are also integrated. The group is able to create gripping tunes with an appropriate number of tempo changes, while the dense and dark sound guarantees an adequate mood. The two musicians of Black Coma are not afraid of offering some stormy melodies, but their main focus lies on powerful, mostly fast outbreaks. Each and every of their songs scores with the right degree of pressure, discomfort and brutality. The cascading guitars create a good flow and the maturity of the overall impression surprises me. From my point of view, this band is destined for something big.

The sound of Inexorable End does not differ very much from that of Black Coma. That's not surprising, because the line-ups of both bands are almost identical. Thus, the description of Black Coma's contribution can be used a second time. Maybe Inexorable End are a little bit more noisy during their fast eruptions and slightly more desperate as soon as they slow down the tempo. Yet significant differences do not arise. Just one remark, a guy with the pseudonym Stigia is one of the two sinister creatures who are involved in both bands. He delivers the lead vocals for Black Coma, but not for Inexorable End. His performance is more charismatic and vivid than that of the guy of Inexorable End. This could be the reason why I prefer Black Coma's songs, although both sides of the vinyl are crammed with traditional, Norway-influenced black metal of the better kind. I am sure you are familiar with this type of music which gives rise to dreary landscapes on a cold and shady autumn day without using wimpy stylistic devices such as "ambient", "suicidal" or even "gothic" elements.

As said above, Spain is blowing the horns for attack. The here presented legions are ready for battle and have no reason to eschew international comparisons. Those who like to lend an ear to this vinyl should start with the best song, "My Filthy Ashes", the third track of Black Coma. They will not repent it.