Baptism - As the Darkness Enters (2012)

From Tampere, Finland comes Baptism and their fourth and most recent effort, 'As the Darkness Enters.' Seen mainly as the solo project of Lord Sargofagian whom has history with notable bands, such as; Behexen and Uncreation's Dawn as well as lesser known entities like, Trotzreich, Black Death Ritual and Calvarium -- He is however joined by a full line-up and a host of guest musicians on this outing. All four records have also been released via Northern Heritage Records, which is a bastion of quality in the black metal universe.

From the get go the 'Introduction' draws the listener into a world of gloom and wickedness as discordant distant voices and ominous synth notes guide me directly into 'Bringer of Misery.' This being my first experience with the band it becomes obvious enough that Baptism bares similarities to other Finnish cult black metal acts, such as, Horna, Behexen and Sargeist through their raw tones, mid-paced to speedy pacing, occasionally melodic structures and a true journey through crepuscule depravity.

The aforementioned 'Bringer of Misery' is a boisterous piece of black metal filled with stunning riffs, grimly delivery vocals (also briefly spoken) and exceptional drumming, whereas 'Chalice of Death' is more high octane and hard hitting with a sense of thrashiness as its back bone. 'The Prayer' although unleashing in a similar manner at the onset the song eventually becomes increasingly melancholic and slower in pace with some creeping bass licks making their presence well known. The highlight of the song being the cleanly sung parts performed by Mynni "Infection" Luukkainen, which are both haunting and beautiful whilst paired with the depressing keyboards and the riff that follows them it makes for an overwhelming piece of music. Just outstanding. 'Sieluni Temppeli' is the only song sung in Finnish, but its also a memorable one with its epic structure and sense of passion it sticks out amongst the others. The remaining three songs are all above average as well with very little if anything being weak on this record.

With 'As the Darkness Enters' being my first foray into the world and mind of Lord Sargofagian and Baptism I've constantly found this record to be steller and amongst one of the best from last year. If you've somehow overlooked this band I'd have to only suggest rectifying that situation as soon as possible.