It was nearly four years ago that I last reviewed a Necrowretch album, The Ones from Hell. True to its title, it was indeed a hellish display of blackened death metal, in which the Scandinavian black metal influences and early US death metal stylings went head to head in a sort of corpsepaint faced, braindead knuckle-dragger melee (Think a Dissection vs. early Death cage match). In the same breath, I probably only revisited it a couple times since its release. It was good, yes, but didn’t strike me as anything out of the ordinary, especially when it comes to this type of metal. Which is why I must say I’m pleasantly surprised upon hearing their latest offering, Swords of Dajjal.
Whereas past albums showcased that aforementioned amalgamation of black and death metal, Swords pushes the black metal dial to overload, so much so that I almost hesitate to label it a blackened death album (the key word there is “almost”). From a sonic perspective, Swords is light years ahead of its predecessors, utilizing unorthodox instrumentation, outside musical influences, and a diabolical atmosphere (without intentionally trying to be “atmospheric”) to create what is a truly fascinating affair. This growth could be due to the addition of two new members in R. Cadaver (bass) and N. Destroyer (drums), but I digress.
The opening “Ksar Al-Kufar” sets the stage with its blistering Dissection-esque blackened death worship, yet mystical aura and exotic, flanged out guitars. These latter influences only become more prevalent as the album progresses. As nearly the entire album centers around ancient arcane mythology, there a musical flourishes to match. Take, for example, the eastern ornamentation of “The Fifth Door” or the droning riffs of “Numidian Knowledge”. I’d label it “blackened death folk metal”, but lord knows somebody would have a conniption fit.
There are occasions in which the death metal influence of past releases rears its ugly head. The title cut and “Vae Victis” boast nasty, Obituary flavored stomp riffs, which shouldn’t work alongside cold, frostbitten black metal, but do so anyways. Rounding it all out is the aptly titled “Total Obliteration”. True to its moniker, “Total Oblitaration” sees Necrowretch go for the jugular, assaulting the listener with blinding blast beats and hypnotic guitar riffs. This 6+ minute blur could, for all purposes, be the musical companion to a forgotten ancient scroll, which probably would be better off forgotten for the sake of humanity. Lord only knows what spells would lurk within!
Swords of Dajjal isn’t just a step forward for Necrowretch, but a leap forward. Their evolution as songwriters, arrangers, and musicians is nothing short of impressive, to say the least. Against all odds, they’ve crafted a blackened death metal album that’s fresh and interesting, and while there are no shortage of Dissection-isms abound, a cheap Dissection rehash this is not. Swords aren’t just for the power metallists anymore. Necrowretch have obtained some and aren’t afraid to use ’em. The Swords of Dajjal are sharp, and so is the music that makes up this album. Beware!
7 out of 10
Label: Season of Mist Underground Activities
Genre: Blackened Death Metal
For fans of: Dissection, Necrophobic, Grotesque