Album Review: Vulgaris – Seat Of The Fire (WormHoleDeath)

Vulgaris, the London, UK, blackened metal band will self-release their sophomore album, ‘Seat Of The Fire’, on May 24th, 2024.

The album depicts a story where, following his release from eternal torment by Heracles, the mythical titan Prometheus returns to humankind. Disgusted by the devastation wrought upon the Earth by humanity using the gift he provided them at the cost of great personal suffering, he exacts revenge on his creations. Reappearing as an Antichrist-like figure, he stokes civil unrest and instigates societal collapse, before using fire once more to sweep the Earth clean of the human disease.

The first words that come to mind as Seat of the Fire gets started is ‘atmospheric melodic discomfort’ because this what the short introduction of Lyomenos and the opening of Black Gold Baptism delivers. Let it build though, as step by step, Vulgaris introduce more and more dark elements. Taking their time, it gets more and more intense, until it fully transforms into a blackened blast of manic wickedness. Vulgaris are sounding distinctly unhinged.

Now, it’s important to note that while their core sound does draw from the blacker side of metal, Vulgaris are not constrained by the genre, and this album has strong elements of both sludge and thrash too. Something that becomes more and more notable as the album goes on. Though, first, there’s nothing more black metal focused on the record as Swarm, which finds the band in a particularly evil mood and showcasing just how scathing their speed and heaviness can be.

The soft sound of emotionally laboured breathing over haunting melody slows things down, but Pyrphoros does a wonderful job of enhancing the atmospheric tone of the entire album. Before it’s back to causing methodical carnage with the twisted wickedness of Asphyxiation. One of the album’s best efforts, because of how cleverly it shifts in tone, blending genres, and how weighty it is.

That beast of a track is complimented by the groovy head-banger elements of Prometheus Rise. A daring example of Vulgaris’ ability to have infectious aspects to their music. All while they shift the tone in sharp ways and all while still sounding deliciously dark.

There’s another melodic lull next with Pyrkaeus, but it’s one of the more disconcerting examples on the album. Flowing effectively into Vulgaris going ‘hell for leather’ with the destructive force of Siege. One of, if not the grooviest of tracks on the album. This is where those neck muscles will really get to work.

Although there is no calming down as the finale kicks in with a flurry of drums and riffs, Vulgaris continuing to bring fiery and furious intensity with the title track. However, this is a layered track, and the sludgy slowdown moments are as devastating as the thrashy manic moments. It’s a strong finish to an album that flies by, which when you consider its extreme edge, is one hell of a sign of its overall quality.

Vulgaris – Seat of the Fire Track Listing:

1. Lyomenos
2. Black Gold Baptism
3. Swarm
4. Pyrphoros
5. Asphyxiation
6. Prometheus Rise
7. Pyrkaeus
8. Siege
9. Seat Of The Fire

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