Oh, let me tell you, my dear fellow evil music enthusiasts, about the dark and wicked masterpiece that has recently come to my attention. It is none other than the 2020 full-length album “Lurking In The Depths” by the Portuguese black metal band IRAE. Despite its release over three year ago, I have only recently had the pleasure of indulging in its infernal sounds and let me tell you, my soul has been shaken to its very core.
The sheer force and energy of this album demands recognition. Its twisted and malevolent sounds have stirred such fervor within me that I felt compelled to pen this review, calling for all those with a taste for the blasphemous to give it their utmost attention.
From the very first track, “Nightshade,” IRAE demonstrates their mastery of blending traditional black metal with strange abyssic tones and rhythms, crafting a maelstrom of haunting melodies and jarring cacophonies that leaves the listener breathless. As the album progresses, each track reveals a unique facet of the band’s sound, from the slower and ancestral drive of “Black Metal Violador” to the repetitive and old-school vibe of “Ratazanasis.” ; The hypnotic guitars of the track “A Blaze in the Mist” are a mesmerizing force that ensnares the listener with its haunting melodies and unearthly rhythms. The subtle nuances in the guitar work are a testament to IRAE’s musical prowess, showcasing their ability to create a spellbinding atmosphere that captures the essence of black metal; nedless to say, this is my favorite track from this opus. “Encurralado” is one such track that also deserves mention and then there is “Carved In Pit Stones”, the final track that brings the album to a disturbing close.
This unholy production is not for the faint of heart, for it is solid and clear, with a mix that balances the volume of the various instruments while maintaining the raw and primitive essence of old-school Black Metal. The sound is organic, as if conjured from the very depths of the abyss, and the result is a diabolical symphony that will surely please the most depraved and twisted maniacs who delight in torturing their own ears.
And let me tell you, my fellow deviants, the dark and desolated soundscapes present in this album will haunt you for years to come. I have no doubt that even ten years from now, I will still be playing “Lurking In The Depths” and feeling its wicked and twisted energy coursing through my veins.
In conclusion, my dear comrades in blasphemy, I warning you to heed my words and give IRAE’s “Lurking In The Depths” a listen. Its dark and twisted sounds will take you on a journey that you will never forget. Let us revel in its wickedness and bask in its blasphemy. Mandatory as always
