There are some bands that can pass through the world of music on sheer badassery alone. It’s something we rarely see, but if done right there is nothing more infectious than a classic sounding heavy metal band that knows exactly what they’re fucking doing. When I first stumbled upon Visigoth, I never once dared to think these guys would rise to the level of becoming one of the names that must be known in the modern world of heavy metal. While we’re still a few years away from another full-length offering, it’s with their upcoming EP of just two tracks that provide that addictive excellence that we have been dying for!

It was with their last album, “Conqueror’s Oath”, that we were shown that Visigoth takes inspiration from loads of different sources to translate with their signature sound and that very much includes the world of video games. It didn’t dawn on me until only a few months ago that the first track, “Steel and Silver”, was an homage to the rich world of the Witcher series. And now, it’s with but two tracks that they respect the world of Dark Souls which is a move I simply was not expecting but it could not have been pulled off any better if they tried! Worshipping the likes of the knight Artorias going into the dreaded Abyss makes for one hell of a setting for both tracks as Visigoth does the source material immense justice as they bring an absolute slew of glorious riffage paired with great musicianship that, while has become expected from this band at this point, is no less potent than previous material as only domination can be found in this little treat. It’s as if the titular bells themselves have rung to sound the reawakening and return of Visigoth as, like I said before, they provide much needed and much-welcomed excellence on a scale that only this band could produce whilst on tour. Stupendous in virtually every form, Visigoth yet again commands the battlefield with stunning presence and skill.

“Bells of Awakening” is a pristine example of what a pleasant surprise is. This glorious EP came out of absolutely nowhere with virtually no warning, and I wouldn’t have it any other way as that’s the only way you can deal with true greatness like Visigoth: fast and loose. These two tracks carry the very spirit of both this band and the genre as a whole with staggering effectiveness, and it is simply irresistible.

“Bells of Awakening” releases on May 24th via Metal Blade Records!

LISTEN to an advanced track from “Bells of Awakening” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Visigoth on Facebook here.

FOLLOW Visigoth on Twitter: @VisigothSLC