A review of Blackevil “Praise the Communion Fire for the Unhallowed Sacrament”

 

Blackevil

“Praise the Communion Fire for the Unhallowed Sacrament”

Dying Victims Prod. 2024

 

I first became acquainted with Blackevil during their performance at the Black Silesia Festival, a few years back. At that time, after a few brews, the performance they made seemed quite respectable to me, but I didn't delve into the band's discography after returning home. Until now, when the band's material number three reached me. And when I've had a few sessions with it, I must admit I have mixed feelings overall. Because there are some really good moments on this album, such as the opening track of the whole thing, which at times oozes with Dissection-like melodicism, “Timeless Throne,” or the very classic, hooking heavy metal style “The Gladiator.” Unfortunately, there are also tracks here that induce an irresistible urge to yawn (the utterly bland and tedious “Beneath the Pentagram”, or the decidedly overlong “Towards the Carpathian Winter Battle”, which crowns the album). However, the mixture of black and thrash metal, with occasional departures towards the aforementioned heavy metal, is quite logically put together in the case of Blackevil. Yet I think it undeniably gains an extra kick when seeing the band live. The very rhythmic nature of most of the songs is made for concert mosh and banging your head in all directions. Moreover, as far as the melodies on this album are concerned, you only have to close your eyes to see the band running around on stage and the guitarists playing side by side. It absolutely cannot be said that the Germans stand out above the average in their niche with anything. Well, unfortunately, there is a lack of any hits or chords that throw you over the edge. This is solid, well-produced music intended for maniacs of a mixture of the above-mentioned genres. They will certainly find something for themselves on this album. I, however, much prefer to experience these sounds live, with the right amount of alcohol circulating in my blood. Nevertheless, check out these recordings for yourself. It is possible that you will have more fun with them than I did.

- jesusatan