Kev Rowland
Azarath were formed in Poland by drummer Inferno (Behemoth) in 1998, initially as a trio, and immediately caught attention with their death/black metal assault. Over the years there have been some line-up changes, and currently Inferno is accompanied by Bart (Armagedon, Damnation) on guitars, Necrosodom (Anima Damnata, Deus Mortem, ex-Infernal War) on vocals and guitars, as well as Peter (ex-Lost Soul) on bass Their music has been described as a "demonic mutation of Krisiun and Behemoth with shades of Immolation", and their death metal has large amounts of black metal influences as well, straddling the genres and being masters of both. The only thing wrong with this album is that it has taken so long to arrive! It has been six years since the last album, and I really don’t want to wait another six years for the next one.
There are times, such as on “At The Gates of Understanding” where the attack is completely brutal, completely over the top, with frenetic drumming and riffs yet it still contains a black metal element that gives it a twist away from the normal and an additional touch of class. This is one of the most impressive albums of this style of music I have ever come across, and it is one that I have had real issues getting off my player so that I could listen to one of the many others that I had to review. This may be only forty minutes long, but is a masterpiece and absolutely essential