Review: Beleth’s Trumpet “Chapel of Bones” [Dominance of Darkness Records / Korpituli Productions]

As the night approaches with its grim intent to hold the land of Suomi captive, and as Daemons writhe beneath the Huntress moon as it casts its ominous glow through clouds of sterling, Beleth’s trump sounds; rousing great spirits of yore from out of their aeons-long bestial slumber. Casting the blackest spells are they – rueful emanations to inspire artists who have chosen to stand boldly under the Sign of the Black Mark.

The Finnish Black Metal underground is a thriving scene; a shadowy oasis from where some of the world’s finest BM is extracted. A dominant movement even when compared to the Norwegian scene. No, Suomi has never been known for producing popular swill for the masses: no Satyricons and no Emperors, only bands that have made themselves renowned for music that speaks of purity and of proper genre representation. In my opinion, this is the only way to do it. From out of the underground Finnish horde has emerged Beleth’s Trumpet! And on July 1, they will release their debut LP, Chapel of Bones via Dominance of Darkness / Korpituli Productions.

This is why we do it… This is why we have dedicated our lives to Black Metal, not as a genre of music, but as a life code. True BM is most certainly what we have here: Satanic, evil and downright detestable. Detestable to the herd, but delectable to the horde. “Triumphant Voice of Beleth” delivers exactly what you would expect: despairing melodies, wretched vocals and stripped-down production. Tremolo riffs weave melodiously through gauntlets of blast-beats. The atmosphere is humid with a blanketing sense of dread that slathers over you as you absorb misery-tinged energy. Diabolical! Loathsome… Just right. The following track, “Mass Grave” (of Angels), drags slow and deep; submerging you in murky progressions. A soulful cut that comes off as something very meaningful to whoever wrote it. But the grime must continue! An overall filthy aesthetic yet with an air of elegance portrayed. A triumphant number in some ways, despicable in others, but steadfastly captivating.

The genocide of sheep and the enthrallment of ritual to behold during the highly aggressive “Extermination of God’s Dominion” that speaks of Necromancy most abhorred and the mesmerizing “Clandestine Ritual” that ensnares with mid-tempo’d rhythms and rolling melodies. True Satanic Black Metal, unfiltered Suomi spirit and pure wickedness; a benefaction of the most sinister variety. So, don the cloak and strike up the candles of sacrifice. Prepare yourself for the heat of ritual’s fire as it burns through your spirit with wild intensity. Set your infernal intention to take in the dark beauty of Black Metal most unholy and to revel in Chapel of Bones on this, the eve of the grande summation of evil’s timeless, ageless macrocosm. With Chapel of Bones, Beleth’s Trumpet reminds us yet again of who dominates the international underground – the Land of a Thousand Lakes.

I’ve said it before: as long as there are bands like Beleth’s Trumpet that create BM of such distinctive character and of such staunch genre integrity, there will be a lofty future for Black Metal, so long as we do our part by keeping the gates. If there’s only one thing that you take away from this experience, let it be the truth! The etched in stone fact that BM is the most precious dark art, and that when it is crafted under the mark of Satan, its power is something otherworldly. From start to finish, Chapel of Bones is a worthy homage to Him and a valiant specimen of Black Metal in its truest form.