Time Signature
Satan mentor...
Genre: black metal
A relatively new band, Cult of Fire nonetheless comprises members who are veterans on the Czech extreme metal scene. Their debut album "Triumvirát" was preceded by an EP, but individually, the band's members have a host of releases under their respective belts - and this experience shows on their debut.
Stylistically, Cult of Fire very much bridges the gap between first wave and second wave black metal. Thus, in the spirit of Norwegian black metal, the listener is treated to tremolo-picked guitars and blastbeats accompanied by screechy harsh vocals. But at the same time, there seems to be a quite considerable influence from the likes of their fellow countrymen in Root and the Italian black metal act Abhor. This means that you can expect a dose of melody sprinkled on top of the black metal madness in the form of both guitar and keyboard leads. Moreover, Cult of Fire make use of atmospheric keyboards and even effects that sound like a church organ (I love the irony of the use of the church organ effect in 'Satan Mentor').
In fact, the atmospheric aspect is a central ingredient of the music on this album, and perhaps "Triumvirát" is best described as a type of atmospheric black metal. In addition to the use of keyboards, there are a couple of passages with are accompanied by other types of atmospheric effects - most notably the creepy bridge in 'Cerna Aura' which features a blend of tortured screams and humming noises. Also, Cult of Fire make extensive use of reverb, which is quite common in atmospheric black metal.
Definitely and interesting album, "Triumvirát" should be checked out by any aficionado of black metal.