Review: Arkhaeth “Profound Lore of the Ashen Specters” [Abyssal Spectra / Zazen Sounds]

The exploration of Luciferian doctrines and their implications on the human spirit; development of self and the quest for enlightenment – the attaining of forbidden knowledge through the practice of ritual and upon the path of esoteric studies has been the subject of many a Black Metal recording. As the mythical Occult ethos has spread further into the realm of the darkest art of Black Metal, these interpretations have become more and more profound; yielding records that are so much more than a mere collection of songs written for a record label, but the reflection of one’s predestined spiritual identity. Greece’s Zazen Sounds Publishing has become the voice for a number of these Sages and their musical/spiritual endeavors. One of which is a Spanish collective known as Arkhaeth. Arkhaeth has released one LP, their debut, Profound Lore of the Ashen Specters, via Abyssal Spectra and Zazen Sounds.

To say that Black Metal has “come a long way” or to even say that it has “evolved” would be an understatement. Not lies, but statements that fail to do the art the kind of justice that it deserves. What Black Metal, what true Occult Black Metal has become is a vessel; a spiritual conduit that traces the divide between the causal and the unknown; providing a pathway from the physical realm into the Astral and into the Cosmos through the science of the ages olde practice of ritual magick translated into music. Sages such as Michayah Belfagor of Ofermod and VP Adept of Αχέροντας have been doing this for decades. Now, thanks to their relentless pursuit of truth and to those who have followed in their footsteps, there is what I consider to be a revolution that is taking place within the sphere of Black Metal that has seen the birth of burgeoning collectives such as Wothrosch, Ad Omega and Arkhaeth whose Esoteric practices, philosophies and art have made a profound impact on the scene as of late. With Profound Lore of the Ashen Specters, Arkhaeth has taken a studious approach to the craft and have unlocked forgotten secrets of the Lightbringer through the study of his many interpretations as lain throughout the annals of history by different cultures – the ashen ones.

From a musical standpoint, with Profound Lore of the Ashen Specters, Arkhaeth inject levels of intricacy and complexity akin to the output of those aforementioned: Αχέροντας and Ofermod, but also do they portray a level of majesty such as what can be heard in Thy Darkened Shade’s latest LP, “Liber Lvcifer II: Mahapralaya” that also heralds the Morning Star. Such offerings of adeptness and of effort are only appropriate, for this is not the olde Devil worshipping BM of the past, but a brilliant vision into the future of the genre. A stark realization of what is possible if one chooses to be brave enough to walk the Occult Path and translate their excursion into music. Transcendent of comparison to any conventional Black Metal band and of ratings, although I will give it one anyway. Most Black Metal bands adhere to the stylistic adaptations of their particular region, be it Norway, Finland, Sweden or Greece, but not Arkhaeth. Transcendent, remember? Like the feeling you get when you are among the herd – that feeling of just being beyond and above the mindset and the aspirations of the masses.

I would normally provide some insight into a few album cuts, but Profound Lore of the Ashen Specters is a journey as opposed to a series of tracks. An expedition into where music and spirituality rendezvous. Instead, I invite you to take this album in as you would a film and see it through the lens of concatenation or synchronicity – a linear interconnection of destined events that have not and will not ever happen again. An opus! A recording to be remembered by. A perfect balance has been achieved here; a balance between what is fundamental and what is complicated. These sorts of albums have a tendency to be overly complex without much to appease those who still appreciate Black Metal in its barer forms: melodic, rhythmic and gripping. For Lucifer! For the study of Him and for his honor has this recording been created. A proper homage and a profound vision of His magnificence, of the magnitude of His presence. Now, let us embark on this journey toward enlightenment together and experience this volume for the ages. Is your spirit prepared?