The world is black metal has more bands now than it ever has. But we all know that quantity doesn’t always mean quality especially for those of us that feel slightly bored of the lo-fi attempts at recreating the old school of black metal, yet every now and then a shining gem comes through. As if sent by Satan himself, Blood of Serpents rises from the depths with such speed and ferocity it makes the fiery tracks off their upcoming record all the more delicious.

The heavy reliance upon riffs or even an overwhelming leaning on the concept of Satanism is something that has helped bands like Inquisition shape younger generations of black metal acts and thus the blooming scene. And while it’s not hard to see that Blood of Serpents definitely enforces riffs and such to make “Sulphur Sovereign” such a delight, the band isn’t afraid of taking their own path whilst still remaining within the confines of the style. Nothing too flashy or innovation here when it comes to style, but the loyalty to the idea of black metal itself is shown in its full glory as “Sulphur Sovereign” brings us one track after another of scathing black metal whose flame never dies down and a speed that could peel the flesh from your very bones. Those of us that like every fast, intense, and constantly electrifying will find an absolute menagerie of reasons to dive within the caldera that Blood of Serpents calls home and “Sulphur Sovereign” is the very lava that pours forth from the depths to scorch the souls of the weak and uninitiated who are too frail to endure such a gripping album of blood, darkness, and fire.

As I said, there isn’t much innovation in terms of style to be had here, but given this is only the second full-length from Blood of Serpents but it’s pulled off as though these guys have been doing it since the infant days of the genre. “Sulphur Sovereign” is a gripping record from front to back and is a truly wondrous treat for hardcore fans of black metal that simply want everything dialed to eleven.

“Sulphur Sovereign” releases on September 25th via Non Serviam Records!

LISTEN to advance tracks from “Sulphur Sovereign” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Blood of Serpents on Facebook here.