Hail Vrasubatlat!
On Monday, Metal Injection unveiled the new Adzalaan album from the mysterious Vrasubatlat sect buried deep in the heart of Portland's vile underground metal scene. The label itself has a number of projects like the aforementioned Adzalaan and Serum Dreg—the latter of which also has a new album this week. Many of these projects build around a central theme too. For example, Triumvir Foul, the label's most notable project, portrays disgust and hedonism by employing "Sumerian mythology as allegory." While Triumvir Foul gets most of the attention these days, one could argue it isn't the collective's best act. Personally, that honor falls to Dagger Lust, the black/death trio dripping with torture and sexual depravity.
Their debut full-length record, Siege Bondage Adverse to the Godhead, is downright vile. Just listen to the introduction, "Augury." A punishing barrage of drums, raw guitar work, and spitting vocals—all within 70 seconds. The early moments of this record call to their early demo material like Aggramica and their eponymous title. As Siege unfolds, however, followers of the cabal will notice that there's an even fiercer edge to Dagger Lust. Harsh throes of power electronics appear throughout the trio's proper debut. The following track, "Corroded Vein" adds a serrated edge to their already sharp and grinding black metal.
These elements also find their way into other songs like "Antediluvian Battery" which bathes in these harsh sounds and almost tortured screams. There isn't a metal pattern to be found on the album's penultimate track. Overall though, Siege Bondage Adverse to the Godhead is a fierce fusion of unpolished black metal, grind, and ear-splitting electronics. In addition to that blend, it's an excellent entry point for newcomers to Vrasubatlat's music. It offers a chance to explore the label's vicious back catalog of music and catch a glimpse into their possible future.
Stream Siege Bondage Adverse to the Godhead below. Pre-orders are also available through Vrasubatlat, Invictus Productions, and Fallen Empire Records.