Album Review: Dark Fortress – Spectres from the Old World (Century Media Records)

The mighty Dark Fortress looms large once again. In cosmic hibernation for the better part of six years, the Bavarian song-masters have finally descended from their empyrean domain to storm black metal norms, set the pillars of light ablaze, and to render hope useless. Forged in the deepest, darkest dungeons and ensorcelled with forgotten celestial magic, Dark Fortress’ eighth full-length Spectres from the Old World isn’t just another black metal album to grease the genre’s proverbial gears. No, this is the Germans reborn, rekindled, envisioned anew.

Spectres from the Old World will be released on February 28th 2020.

As miserable and drab as they come, Dark Fortress lay down the blackness for all to hear and enjoy. Notwithstanding a colder and more sinister edge as the bitterness of Nascence (Intro) flows flawlessly in to Coalescence. Perversely malevolent, Dark Fortress breath ice cold horrors over the mind. Us, just victims of The Spider in the Web as Spectres from the Old World come crawling out of gloom.

The guitars are like rhythmic chanting with the vocals adding the exclamation points on the excellent, Pali Aike. Before both Pazuzu and Isa showcase just how adaptable Dark Fortress can be with their unrestrained black metal sensations.

Versatility is what ensures this album doesn’t start to wear thin. Clean vocals in Pulling At Threads and In Deepest Time giving it just some extra keenness. The latter is downright pretty aside from the thickness of the riffs and drums.

A deep breath in the form of the mellow threat of Penrose Procession (Interlude) before it’s time to dive back in one last time. Swan Song being a chunk of grubby bleakness before Nox Irae wraps a modern black metal classic up in ritualistic style.

Dark Fortress – Spectres from the Old World Full Track Listing:

1. Nascence (Intro)
2. Coalescence
3. The Spider in the Web
4. Spectres from the Old World
5. Pali Aike
6. Pazuzu
7. Isa
8. Pulling At Threads
9. In Deepest Time
10. Penrose Procession (Interlude)
11. Swan Song
12. Nox Irae

Links

Pre-order | Website | Facebook | Instagram