EP Review: Balmog – Pillars Of Salt (War Anthem Records)

War Anthem Records proudly presents the new mini album of Spanish Black-Deathers Balmog, consisting of one over 18 minutes long track!

Balmog was formed around the years 2003/2004 by Balc, Virus and Morg in the small village of Soutomaior (Galiza, Northwest Atlantic coast of Spain). From the very beginning, the three headed beast had a clear idea and objective in its mind: to create the most obscure and violent music searching in the depths of human thought and knowledge.

After several demo tapes, 7” and splits released between 2006 and 2012, the band released their first full-length entitled “Testimony Of The Abominable”, finding a respected place in the global underground scene.

The following two albums, “Svmma Fide” and “Vacvvm”, confirmed Balmog as one of the most devoted Black Metal acts in the European scene. During all these years the band was very active, with prolific periods of tours, festivals and live shows all around Europe and USA. “Pillars Of Salt” marks the band’s most ambitious release to date.

While we are familiar with Balmog, we are not so familiar that the concept of a one 18 minute-song release can be seen as either a good idea or a bad idea. All we do know is they’re a band capable of delivering enormous black metal epics that have all the sinister evil beauty and delicious savagery one could hope for.

Which is exactly what we get with Pillars of Salt. A black metal epic of incredible proportions. From the ritualistic tones, sermon heavy vocals and feeling of crushing weight bearing down, we have here a track that would have Satan nodding his head in appreciation.

Unlike many others who attempt the single massive track idea, Balmog don’t resort to inserting loads of notable shifts in style. Those have a habit of making the track seem like it’s just a load of ideas stuck together rather then one complete thing. That’s not the case here happily and any shifts, most notably an eerie drop that builds back up with serious black metal power, flows wonderfully. Although it’s less like a babbling stream and more like the flood that breaks through a dam to wash away everything in its path.

Balmog – Pillars of Salt Full Track Listing:

1. Pillars of Salt

Links

Facebook | Bandcamp | War Anthem Records