A Polish black metal band that handles things the German way, but does not limit itself only to that language. Pakt mit dem Teufel is so-called true underground black metal, and also an indictment against (too) modern black. For this purpose, the band, whose entities remain anonymous – because that way it’s obscure and mysterious -, draws on the old Polish aesthetic principles. Who knows what that all means… Nevertheless, we are always up for a pact with the devil. The debut Ordre du Diable was (obviously) picked up by my colleague Joris in 2022. And the split with Minnesjord in 2021 by my colleague Tafkads. Positive as both editors were, I am now also pleased to review this second full-fledged spawn of the Devil’s making. Because after all, this is typical Signal Rex material.
On the one hand, it seems terrible to me if you can’t cope with modern black metal. On the other hand, the ’90s had so much to offer and there is still plenty to discover. Just as my colleagues before me already pointed out, Pakt mit dem Teufel brings us primitive black metal, of course with a matching sound production. The music is frequently complemented with evil and mean laughter, not too sharp but nevertheless disgusting screams and scratchy, grainy guitar riffs. The pounding drum strokes provide an underlying foundation. Every now and then the band has the tendency to get bogged down in an idea for a moment, for the sake of a hypnotic effect, but it is better to stay alert, as one can suddenly be catapulted towards another universe. The whining and warbling sometimes borders on the unbearable if you ask me, but that’s also typical for the music from the old days to which I referred earlier.
How amazing it is when this band goes completely wild almost immediately after some malicious laughter during the second song Der Ruf des Mephistopheles. It’s not all that brutal, even if you have had some years of listening experience, but still… Those lightning fast drums, in combination with the filthy acid guitar riffs, are top notch! Add to this the special vocal interpretation and sounds and this Pakt mit dem Teufel becomes a real Devil’s piece of music.
The last song Wpiekłowstąpienie (In Herrlichkeit inmitten der Flammen), with very simple drum nuances and guitar hypnosis impresses me the most. The melancholic lines with which the raw black is mixed are nothing less than a feast for the ears. A declamatory Polish person participates in the twisted, abrasive guitar play, and thta also works effectively here. It really is a punchy piece of music, this Pakt mit dem Teufel, an ode to the ’90s without any intention of changing the traditional sound.
Score:
89/100
Label:
Signal Rex, 2023
Tracklisting:
- Hunger etter synd
- Der Ruf des Mephistopheles
- Gospel of Diabolical Freedom
- La beauté du diable
- Noc walpurgii, Lucyfera dar!
- Wpiekłowstąpienie (In Herrlichkeit inmitten der Flammen)
Line-up:
- Unknown
Links: