It tends to be the case that when we see a new name rise, it is from the closing of another name or simply the start of something new altogether. It’s not terribly often that we see a band go through such a metamorphosis in their sound that they feel to be the need to change their very name, but that’s precisely what’s happened with the act that was formerly known as Summon. Now known as Blasphemous Fire, the Portuguese act had the immense liberating freedom to go in any direction they wanted to with all that was accomplished Summon offered us a small inkling as to what could happen next. Shedding their black metal tendencies for a more straightforward evisceration of death metal, the first creation of Blasphemous Fire is not something to underestimate.

Clearly, Blasphemous Fire knew exactly what they were doing every step of the way from the changing of their name to the crafting of this record. Every facet of all that is brought forth in “Beneath the Darkness” feels so purposeful and fulfilling given the band’s surprise transition, and it is in every one of the nine tracks that adorn this hellish creation that we’re given a proper horrific force of death metal the likes of which many throughout the underground are constantly salivating for. No fanciness to be had here, no pretentious themes, and nothing but a homicidal mindset as the flames spread out from behind the act at every turn, Blasphemous Fire has made a tremendous impact with their death metal compelling right from the very beginning, and seductively intoxicating all the way through. “Beneath the Darkness” is constantly laden with massive riffs that beckon forth the most potent of hellfire to lick at your heels and torment your soul with the very presence of Blasphemous Fire calls down the very skies onto your head with it becoming clearer as the album progresses that Blasphemous Fire isn’t here just to leave their mark and leave, but, rather, decimate all life that comes before them and put the very land to the torch. Nothing is left in their wake. Nobody is spared of their wrath. Holiness has no place in this new world order. Darkness reigns, and it beckons at the very call of Blasphemous Fire.

A band re-working their sound is always a tricky thing since it can easily come forth as a shaky first step before really finding their stride, but it is here that Blasphemous Fire clearly made a bold and fitting choice in their own transition. Everything brought forth here is done with confidence and undeniable quality of a sort that leaves you staggering at virtually every turn with the death metal here voracious and compelling in every possible way. Summon had a good run, but it is now with the arrival of “Beneath the Darkness” that the reign of Blasphemous Fire begins in earnest.

“Beneath the Darkness” releases on July 24th via Godz ov War Productions!

LISTEN to an advanced track from “Beneath the Darkness” on Bandcamp here, or via YouTube below.

LIKE Blasphemous Fire on Facebook here.