In this frozen wasteland, I bring a tale of a Black Metal horde hailing from Portugal and bringing the 90s spirit of Black Metal all the way from Norway. It creates a tapestry of hopelessness that matches the world climate; be it politics or the actual weather changing in catastrophic ways.
Enter Irae. Formed in 2002 main man Vulturius has been the driving force since inception and after six full-length albums he and drummer J Goat along with Obskuritatem’s O (on two tracks) have created this blasphemy that captures the black heart of that halcyon era. I had not heard them before this point and I feel like this EP is the best introduction to their sound-and-fury approach to Portuguese Black Metal.
Promiscuous Fire is a fantastic offering that doesn’t let up for its 23:00 minute salvo. The first track “The Curse of Lael” comes out swinging with monstrous blasting and some Watain-ish riffing; especially in the midsection.
Vulturius – Fires of Tradition, Demonic Vengeance and J Goat – Apocalyptic Beats, Necromantic Creations & Doom murder their respective instruments and their screams are heard in every blasphemous riff. “Vinho de Gólgota” is my favorite track by far, it goes from a Darkthrone tone to a bit more Watain but, influences aside; it’s one of those songs that make you feel the beat moving through your ears and processed in your slowly melting brain.
The final two tracks “Porco de Satanás” and “Endless Circle” do their respective jobs to decimate. The former is a bit of Black ‘n’ Roll, writhing tempo changes blasting and thrashing, rocking and rolling; a triumphant Black Metal track, and not to be outdone “Endless Circle” is a powerful song, sort of mid-paced crusher that cements Irae as leaders of Portuguese Black Metal.
This is a brutal EP. It hits those Black Metal buttons with savage efficiency, a Satanic game of Whack a Mole where bloodshed is guaranteed no matter what the outcome. I urge you, constant reader; this needs to be in your collection.
For fans of Darkthrone, Watain, and Dissection, yep you know who you are.
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