Greetings, Decibel readers.
It’s been a rough week for black metal. In a short span of days, we’ve lost two of the dark arts’ finest talents: Nisse Karlén, the singer and one-time guitarist then bassist for Sacramentum; and Jürgen Bartsch, the bassist for Bethlehem.
Sacramentum — along with their fellow Swedes in Dissection, Naglfar, Vinterland and other bands — pioneered a particular blend of extreme metal styles. This concoction combined black metal’s dark and, at times, medieval and romantic atmosphere and combined it with an aggression more akin to death metal, along with a particularly melodic approach to guitar leads. However, Sacramentum’s signature sound remains harder to emulate than that of Dissection, as the sequence of notes, the rolling of toms, and Nisse’s unmistakable, throaty growl produced something truly from another dimension. This was evident in their live performances as well. Although I didn’t get to see them in their 90s heyday, I was lucky enough to see them in 2023. And there was Nisse, serving solely as vocalist, gesticulating wildly, covered in blood he’d poured on himself. The term “one-of-a-kind” has become ironically overused, but it certainly applied to him. Of course, Far Away From the Sun is generally considered their masterpiece, but I’m a little partial to the 2024 remix of The Coming of Chaos, which was refashioned to sound more like it’s predecessor.
The Coming Of Chaos (Remix 2024) [24-bit HD audio] by Sacramentum
In the case of Bethlehem, Jürgen was the only remaining founding member. As part of this legendary German band, Jürgen lent his bass and keyboarding duties to albums now held in the highest esteem among fans of depressive-suicidal black metal (DSBM), especially early albums like Dictius Te Necare and later triumphs like those including Onielar from Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult. But again, I take a slightly different tack and hold the band’s debut, Dark Metal in special esteem. To be sure, the mood that would characterize DSBM is certainly present, the sound itself has a shape much more akin to doom metal — as if Evoken decided to craft their own version of Kataonia‘s Dance of December Souls. In fact, it might be the best example of blackened doom metal ever made. And Jürgen’s contributions on the bass shine especially bright on this album. In particular, listen to his playing on “Vartimmen” to hear what I mean. That section at the 56-second mark could bring chills to the most hardened soul.
This week’s edition of Five For Friday is dedicated to these two artists, both of whom will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with their friends, families, and bandmates past and present.
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Desaster – Kill All Idols
Speaking of legendary German bands. Desaster‘s latest will satiate the hunger of those who seek ripping, uncompromising darkness, delivered with the attitude of an 1980s street punk band.
Stream: Apple Music
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Imperishable – Revelation In Purity
From our album premiere of Revelation In Purity, check out the deep bench behind this album:
Notably, the record features Brian Kingsland of Nile and Enthean on guitar and vocals, Alex Rush of Okloth and Enthean on bass, and Derek Roddy of Hate Eternal and Malevolent Creation on drums. The record was mixed and masted by Jamie King (Between the Buried and Me, Whitechapel, Scale the Summit).
Stream: Apple Music
Revelation In Purity by Imperishable
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Proscription – Desolate Divine
It’s fitting this album comes next, as it stands very much in the same arena as the new Imperishable album. But in this case, the Immolation and death-metal-era Behemoth vibes are far more present in this beastly, enveloping sound.
Stream: Apple Music
Desolate Divine by Proscription
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Sadistic Force – Morbid Odyssey
Music made for the circle pit! The vocals rip! The riffs destroy! The bass tone is totally rad! And the drums pummel you to the ground! Up from the grave, all just in time for spooky season’s approaching darkness.
Stream: Apple Music
Morbid Odyssey by Sadistic Force
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Vëlhtrhaq – Stelle Cadenti
Meanwhile, if you’re in the mood for some atmospheric majesty and grandeur, take some time to delve into this project’s already vast catalog. The music of a procession of knight’s off to fight a doomed crusade. Take out a Dan Jones book while listening to this one.
Stream: Apple Music
The post Five For Friday: August 29, 2025 appeared first on Decibel Magazine.