Its full steam ahead – Review of Black Beast’s “Arctic Darkness”

Black Beast have returned with their motor charged second album “Arctic Darkness”. The black metal band from Finland are proving themselves to be a must watch. 

“Arctic Darkness” opens with an ‘intro’ that shows off their softer side. Introducing us to the dark fantasy world that is “Arctic Darkness”. Before we all get a ‘good’ slap in face with ‘Black Magic and Witchcraft’. This track really gets us into the rush and doom that is the “Arctic Darkness”. This album doesn’t stop, Black Beast keep on giving us that dark, rage and heaviness we love from them. 

Lord Sipilä (Drums) gives us a force to be wrecken with. Lord Sipilä is on overdrive. On each track his power goes strength to strength. He drives the album in a chaotic direction but with full purpose and doesn’t disappoint. 

While Ruumisruhtinas (Guitar) and Xilocybe (Bass) are menacing and they both have elements of exploration keeping us on our toes. The solo picking riffs that appear in the final track of the album “Hymn of the Freezing Wind” are moments of breath and surprises. The rhythmical solo comes unexpectedly and it’s a new twist for ‘Arctic Darkness’ as the riff is a standout in the track. It’s raw with a sort of hard rock influence which in black metal is not usually seen. It fits perfectly in the mix which is what surprises you when it comes out of no way. But no disappointment here. 

Across the album Infernal Tormentor Necrocorpse von Demonblood (aka – Tuomas Karhumäki) (vocals) are Satan liked, from the album cover we know we are entering a world of doom and gloom. The lyrics take hold of the recurring theme of doom, gloom and fantasy. Just like all members of the band, Infernal Tormentor Necrocorpse von Demonblood get his special moment; this comes in the track “I am HE”. The drop in the track is a call and response of the lyric “I am HE”. At live gigs I can see this becoming a huge crowd moment. Especially with the demanding devilish tone. 

“Arctic Darkness” is a beast of an album. It’s refreshing in the black metal scene with the unpredictable moments and showing of each member’s talent. It’s unstoppable and chaotic. In this instance it makes perfect sense.