Some bands hardly need an introduction anymore. One such band is Azaghal, hailing from Uusimaa, Finland. A band that bubbled up from the depths of Hell like salpetre sometime around 1998 and has since managed to release a seemingly endless list of albums, EPs, compilations, and goodness knows what else. Since the release of Valo Pohjoisesta, the Finns have been signed to the Belgian label Immortal Frost Productions, and it is through them that I received the digital promo package for the latest offering, Nekrohelios. I expect another serving of utterly filthy black metal. It is perhaps worth mentioning that Pedoista ja raadonsyöjistä (2025) was released through Sacrifire Productions, if I am not mistaken.
The band led by Nargath and his cohorts plays a particularly grim and unsavoury form of black metal. On Alttarimme On Luista Tehty, however, the gentlemen demonstrated that they were also willing to incorporate touches of punk, black ’n’ roll, and pagan influences into their compositions. In the meantime, we have already been treated to four singles promoting this latest album, with Haava being the final one released before the album’s launch.
What fits better as an opening for this type of record? Exactly… sounds and textures that create an atmosphere as if the sun itself had recently been reduced to a giant ball of ice. Yet there is no time to dwell on such thoughts. These Finns immediately launch into a blistering pace, so there is no trace of ice—only a red-hot collection of razor-sharp riffs accompanied by the abrasive vocals of Mr. Nargath. From time to time, a subtle layer of synths is woven into the background, but the focus remains firmly on firing volleys of obscure melodies into the ether at high speed. Haava, with its pounding rhythms, serves as a fine example of this approach.
Slayer-esque solo work can be heard in the crushing Rottien valtakunta. Screams and traditional choral vocals are presented together, accompanied by a metaphorical raised middle finger aimed at the masses. The opening passages of Saatana, olen miekkasi are remarkably refreshing on an album that is otherwise packed with relentless battering and bludgeoning, as heard on tracks such as Yö katoaa taakse kuolevan kuun and Juuret. It almost feels as though the second half of the album is tighter and more forceful, making a stronger impression on me overall.
Nargath and friends—or rather, the Finnish black metal trio Azaghal—have delivered a highly solid black metal record with Nekrohelios, released through Immortal Frost Productions. The characteristic Finnish iciness is wrapped in a blazing-hot mass of malevolence and equally intense aggression. I would simply buy this album without hesitation. Killer album!
Score:
85/100
Label:
Immortal Frost Productions, 2026
Tracklisting:
- Nekrohelios
- Elävän kuoleman tuhannet kasvot
- Elysium
- Vihan ruoska
- Haava
- Rottien valtakunta
- Saatana, olen miekkasi
- Yö katoaa taakse kuolevan kuun
- Juuret
- Olen unohtanut isäni kasvot
- Noitalasia
Line-up:
- Nargath – Guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, vocals
- Lima – Drums
- Thirteen – Vocals
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