A lot of times that I bring India’s metal scene into the spotlight it’s to bring the country’s innovation and rich amount of diversity as well as the sheer amount of quality bands that it has within its borders. Black metal has gotten plenty of love from Indians, and it’s bands like Stark Denial that shows that love going back all the way to classics like Immortal and early Mayhem. If there was any single album that best brings back that classic black metal feels, then it’s easily the latest slab of darkness from Stark Denial.

A band that constantly reinvents themselves is one that can find a solid spread of a variety of tastes amongst different groups of fans who can between attracted to one album versus another simply based on stylistic differences. “Covenant of Black” sees Stark Denial bring together everything they’ve learned since their debut EP effort to craft nine tracks that aren’t only executed with the most occult of black magic, but it also serves as a true homage to the classics of black metal in a very modern way. No two tracks sound the same be it a full onslaught that eviscerates the ears or a more melodic take that is the very kind of thing brimming with riffs that really pulls you in only wanting to hear more, and Stark Denial delivers at every turn. Each song stands out on its own with “Covenant of Black” being an incredibly fine-tuned experience that’s well-rounded, well crafted, and a very exciting piece for any fan of black metal that doesn’t need anything too fancy to have a damn good time. Stark Denial doesn’t do a damned thing wrong with this record and it’s no challenge to see why they’re one of the more up-and-coming bands of Indian black metal just by witnessing this staggering album that’s sure to raze all in its path.

Black metal has been a focus of mine in the latest weeks for various reasons, and I’m glad because that has allowed my attention to be drawn towards Stark Denial more than because I know their label is top-notch. In every way, “Covenant of Black” is a brilliant album of the genre that really shows Indians still know how to bring black metal with awesome power and it doesn’t get much tastier than this monster.

“Covenant of Black” releases on March 25th via Transcending Obscurity India! 

LISTEN to advanced tracks from “Covenant of Black” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Stark Denial on Facebook here.