Infamous US Black Metal band Grand Belial’s Key have returned, bringing back their iconic melodic riffs and extra blasphemous imagery but of course with a new vocalist. Now just to get it out of the way, I care very little about what ever controversies are attached to this band. Black metal, after all, is supposed to be blasphemous and shocking. If what ever lyrics or imagery doesn’t sit right with you and you get angry over it, its probably doing what that piece of art intended. If you’re that concerned over the message they’re trying to portray, just remember. Just because you’re listening to it, doesn’t mean you have to believe in what ever it is. Sometimes the music is just that good. Anyways, on to the album at hand.
Right off the bat, you’re greeted with some in hard hitting and intense wall of sound. Guitars, drums, bass, all blasting right from the start. Its a shocking opening and a perfect opening song for the album at hand. Its kind of what you’d expect from a GBK release. Catchy melodic riffs, great musicianship all around, and the hatefulness has not gone away over the years. I’ve always felt these guys can really get the blood pumping and this album is no different. Now of course, they have a new vocalist after the passing of their previous one. Their current vocalist who goes by Unhold (Known for his work in Absurd), does a good job laying it down for us. The vocals come off as guttural and a little deeper compared to their last release. Some may disagree but the vocal style kind of reminds me of their older albums, its hateful has your typical screeching black metal moments, except the added echo effects aren’t as prominent as compared to previous releases. Makes them more upfront I feel and gives it more life.
There are some softer parts on this album, like an ambient acoustic piece in the middle of the third track, Crud Drips From the Shofar. Its a nice change of pace and the transition from the softer melody into the harsh electric guitars is so well done and seamless, that the little riff will be stuck in your head for days. Of course each track just hits it out of the park when it comes to creative and catchy riffs. They’re able to sound symphonic and at times almost triumphant but with out needing to go all out on the synths and really mixing in a whole bunch of different instruments. Its pure and nails it right on the head.
After a 17 year absence, Grand Belial’s Key really came back with a solid release. I don’t think this band has fallen off at all, and I feel like, if they do plan on releasing more in the future, I can only see things getting better, especially once everyone is more comfortable with the new vocalist. I certainly enjoyed the hell outta this album, and I know any fan of black metal would.
Good Luck Finding It On Your Own.