Infernal War
Axiom
Agonia Records
April 17th, 2015
The Polish Infernal War legions attack again! And they attack like never before! 8 years have passed since Redesekration, their last full-length release and the band has gained a lot of strength over that time. I was quite sceptical about the new album, after rather far from outstanding work on their EP and split albums between 2007 and now, I wasn’t expecting anything that would blow my mind away. Oh, but how wrong I was!!!
I will put that straight. Axiom is the best black metal release this year so far and it will probably remain to be. Recorded with M. at No Solace Studio and released through Agonia Records, Axiom is the most mature and ambitious material of Infernal War to date. The sound has been significantly improved and a lot of attention has been paid to details which all make this album so great. It’s a perfect combination of the band’s melodic approach and the bestial aggression contained in the music. Very uniform and refined, Axiom is an encyclopaedia of interesting riffs and destructive passages. Not a single boring track or an unguarded moment! The characteristic Warcrimer’s vocals are outstanding in every aspect and they sound very fresh on Axiom. With both Iperyt and Voidhanger, he managed to create the trademark of destructive voice which became the integral part of all three groups.
With Coronation, the band immediately takes you for their murderous journey giving you an idea of what they stand for. The slower themes are what really gives me a thrill. Militant Hate Church is the typical song which is the definition of Infernal War. Pure violence and abhorrence. Fulfilled with hateful energy, you get to Into Dead Soil. I don’t want to exaggerate but this is the best black metal track I have heard for years. I remember I have had the same feeling when I made myself familiar with Crushing Impure Idolatry from their 2005 Terrorfront album. Unbelievable track! The slow-paced part is immaculate in every inch and I can already imagine Into Dead Soil being played live. Paradygmat is a great boost of energy, and with its Polish lyrics, it certainly stands out on Axiom. Next tracks are just a factory of good riffs, and they all have something good to say. The slow beginning of Transfigure is the perfect introduction to the carnage they serve later. Camp 22 together with Into Dead Soil and Coronation must be my favourite track from the record. Again, balanced level of aggression and perfectly harmonized structure make Camp 22 actually really catchy song. The title track is a great surprise and an impeccable ending of the album, leaving the listener with that weird feeling of wanting more and more. The pure terrorism comes with M. of Mgła and Kriegsmaschine, who is featured in this song as a guest vocalist. In general I must add that I also love how some of the songs are connected together creating a kind of unity on the album. The band’s characteristic shredding remained a strong feature which certainly gives them some original character.
Axoim emphasizes the level of Polish black metal making Infernal War one of the leaders of the scene. I think that they really needed a record like this, and they have definitely proved that it was worth waiting all these years to hear material of such quality and character. The unholy trinity of Infernal War, Iperyt and Voidhanger has been invigorated and I really do hope it will strike again this year with new Iperyt album which will be as brilliant as Axiom.
THE GOAT TAVERN 