While it’s the space where black and folk metal intersects, the immense niche section where Middle Eastern influence takes hold is a particularly fascinating corner the likes of which I doubt will ever truly run dry of real talent. For years now, the ancient region of the world has been a true sleeper hit for the underground in more ways than one with acts slowly popping up as the years go on. As the years have gone on, Arallu still remains one of the largest and most prominent acts for the region with their power only getting better and better as time has gone on. With what will be their eighth full-length album in their 25-year reign, it bewilders me to say that they’ve never been stronger!

Remaining virtually unchanged for many years and many albums at this point, the very prowess and unyielding power of Arallu shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone who is aware of the name at this point. It has gotten to the degree that this band is something of a real anomaly as this isn’t a single concoction of black and folk metal that one might expect from the likes of Windfaerer or Saor, but, rather, a sound that can only be accomplished by a band straight out of the Middle East which extremely few names are able to achieve, and it’s with “Death Covenant” that Arallu has certainly made one of the most compelling examples of such a creation. Churning riffs that are utterly intoxicating alongside the local instruments that truly give the Holy Land a presence in this album that couples magnificently with the band’s extremely tempered flavors of intensity that always make their efforts a real treat to lose yourself in with this album never once having a weak moment or a track that is worth skipping over for the very energy that threads through the entirety of “Death Covenant” offers the listener a fascinating approach. It all makes for a wondrously unique experience that we’re lucky to experience even once every few years between the release of Arallu albums, but it is only with Arallu that we get it on such a grand and consistent basis. It is only with the likes of Arallu that a vision like “Death Covenant” can come to life in such exquisite form, yet it’s even then that I’m not surprised one bit that this name was able to achieve such stunning glory.

I would be remiss if I didn’t say that I feel like every time I return to Arallu that it’s even better than the last time around, but the years truly do seem to be bountiful to the name for all that they’ve managed to achieve in its many offensives with their skill growing right along with their loyal fanbase. The is real magic and excellence to be found in the sands that “Death Covenant” came forth from, and I’ve no doubt that this band will still manage to come upon even greater treasures should they simply keep pushing forward into the horizon.

“Death Covenant” releases on November 11th via Hammerheart Records!

LISTEN to the single, “Desert Shadow Will Rise”, via YouTube here or below.

LIKE Arallu on Facebook here.