The second part of the Death Cult
couple spreads its pernicious message in very similar ways as its
first half: staying true to their style since day one, Blood Red Fog
is menacing and slovenly, yet thoughful, black metal under the banner
of Jyväskylä from where many likeminded groups stem (Saturnian
Mist, Arvet, Verge and Orfvs to name a few). On part II, the sound is
perhaps even a bit messier than on the first part, and I sense a
focus on the harsh, callous side of the band instead of catchy
melodies that the band is known for providing as well. Here it is
mostly the abyssal, hope-shattering riffs that play a dominant role.
B.R.F.'s trio on the demo, comprising
other noteworthy persons from the underground scene (Desolate and
Profundiis), plays flawlessly here. It doesn't mean it's superbly
tight in execution, as if they were some professional musicians, but
they all serve their insruments in a way that the compositions flow
perfectly: there's no uncertainty, but purposeful killing and death
worshipping in the form of black metal. Add the deathly howls to the
package, and yours truly can't complain. As it's evident, these lines
deliver ideas of vanity and dying, but not necessarily in a negative way,
like ”Pierced by Black Rays” tells:
”Through the mazes of misery and
sadness / Through the halls of soul crushing emptiness / Through the
corridors of solitude and madness / And finally there shines the
knowledge / Of how beautiful is the transition from life unto death
/ From futility of common man / To the grandeur of eternal being”
Due to the second part's less catchy
compositions, I'm settling for a lower rating than what I gave for
part one, but this is not to say that Death Cult II is bad in any
aspect. Not at all, as it's competent, worthy black metal all the way
through. Here's to only hoping that the second full-length gets
finally released some day as it's been so terribly delayed. There's
nothing wrong with these minor releases, but a full hour of new Blood
Red Fog material wouldn't be bad either.
4 / 5
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