Ravencult - Morbid Blood (2011)

Old school bands with classic albums behind them, such as; Rotting Christ, Necromantia, Varathron and Zemial call Greece home. Newcomers, Ravencult who formed in 2001 call Greece home too, and if their sophomore release, 'Morbid Blood' is any indication then its fairly likely that these guys may join the elite ranks of Greek black metal someday soon.

Foregoing the experimental and cultural style that the aforementioned bands have (at times) come to be known for, Ravencult is a more traditional black metal ensemble with similarities to Bathory, Mayhem, Craft, Darkthrone and early Deathspell Omega. Although quite a bit of drum blasting and dissonant cold guitar riffage can be found within just about every song, there's also a slew of powerful, energetic and ultimately very catchy riffs present too. Most of these parts bring me back to Deathspell Omega's, 'Inquisitors of Satan' or Darkthrone's, 'Plaguewielder' due to the vigorous dynamic rockin' headbanging fist pumping awesomeness that these releases have, and I'm quite sure once you hear songs like, 'Sacrilege of Death,' 'Morbid Blood' or 'Sworn to the Unspoken Oath' you'll see what I'm talking about.

Although the songs are short and the whole ten song album runs for just a little under forty minutes the ceaseless energy and memorability of the record keeps me banging' and coming back for more too! And make no mistake about it, this is black metal all the way... just perhaps unfrozen a little in the warm Greek climate.

The production is also noticeably cleaner than most black metal releases, with the double bass drum blasting away loudly and the guitar work always being crushing and easily audible, while the vocals too are triumphant and commanding. The booklets layout is also fantastic and similar to Deathspell Omega and Watain releases with grim occult imagery within.

'Morbid Blood' might not appeal to those that insist on their black metal to be grim, cold and under produced, but for the rest of us that enjoy a little more energy, prowess, cleanliness and after all loads of fun, than this is surely one of the best in 2011 and utterly required for you to pick up!