Serpents Oath – Revelation
Serpents Oath – Revelation
Odium Records
Release Date: 20/12/23
Running Time: 47:07
Review by Oli Gonzalez
7.5/10
It’s Christmas time, and whilst many are getting stuck into the annual barrage of Christmas carols and festive pop songs, I’m finding myself diving deeper and deeper into the Black Metal sub-genre. As part of this journey, I stumbled across Serpents Oath. A new band to me, and in general having only formed in 2020, being the spawn of other Black Metal acts in the country and creating a super band type feel. Having appeared on festivals across Europe and having even played as far as Mexico, they certainly have arrived on the international touring circuit. Having a sneaky look on YouTube at some of their live footage, they do seem to take their live show very seriously, and have an exciting atmosphere. Hence why I was looking forward to getting my ears on their latest release, “Revelation”.
Right from the get go, it became clear to me that “Revelation” is drenched in an old school and traditional Black Metal feel. The album contains everything you’d expect from a band of that genre. Serpents Oath can deliver intensity and do it unapologetically. Good old fashioned blast beat rhythms are the order of the day. Tes’s vocals are consistently fierce in the old KVLT style, whilst also unleashing some gnarly lower range growls. For me though, it’s the guitar work that I think is the band’s strong suit. Blazing riff after soaring tremolo picked riff, I feel as though the songs were built around this undisputed talent duo of Baelus and Daenum. Based on at least one interview, it does appear that the two are the leading creative force in the band. Which totally works!
For all the great traditional elements… well, I think therein lies the problem. Sometimes you don’t really need to go and reinvent the wheel, and instead stick with what works in music. However, I’m more drawn to more Modern Black Metal bands such as Gaerea, Regardes Les Hommes Tomber, and Heretoir for their ability to take these traditional elements and blend them with other more modern elements, and from other genres. Whether it be Thrash, Doom, etc., it spells constant pushing of boundaries and commitment to improvement. I’m certainly suggesting that Serpents Oath aren’t committed. Certainly not. I just personally prefer when musicians evolve and can take a more holistic approach to music (of all genres). Otherwise it becomes difficult to differentiate the band from others in the genre. Their album is a wonderful throwback to an earlier era of Black Metal (i.e. Marduk, Gorgoroth). If that’s their goal, then they’ve certainly achieved that. Revelation is certainly worth getting your hands on if you crave traditional Black Metal.
These were more thoughts right up to the final track of the album, until I got my hands on ‘Pandaemonium’. This was the crown jewel of the album for me, and was a strong end to the album. One of the longer songs of the album, there was more of a Progressive edge to this number. Especially with a slightly less conventional song structure. The more ominous and ambient sections allow to build up some tension and suspense. This is before hell is unleashed later with the signature Black Metal fury! This is darkness emerging from light. A highlight for the album and one I’d point anybody towards if they want a taste of the Belgium based black metallers, and a throwback to an older era of the genre.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Invocatio Genesis
02. Blood Covenant
03. Gateways To Tiamat
04. Purification Through Fire
05. Invocation Apocalypsis
06. Beyond The Void
07. Drakonian Gnosis
08. Path Of The Serpent
09. Invocatio Resurrectio
10. Cult Of Death
11. Unto Typhon
12. Pandaemonium
LINE-UP:
Tes – Vocals
Morkald – Bass
Baelus – Guitar
Daenum – Guitar
Draghul – Drums
LINKS:
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