The modern state of black metal is a real tricky one to look upon and get a solid handle of, much like its contemporaries in the realms of death metal. Just as full of old-school veterans seeking to keep those original veins alive as much as it's brimming with new blood looking to do different things, you never quite know what you're going to get. We are lucky enought to be in an era where both are possible given the vast amount of quality that's out there for us to experience should we simply look in the right places. When Spirit Possession first came around three years ago, many felt that we had found a reliable source for scathing black metal that checked off all the boxes for an old-school listen with a modern mindset. With their second album, that glory is only furthered.
While I will likely never tire of seeing throngs of bands do their best to keep the original flames burning while others seek to push the style boundaries to new extents to see what else is possible, there are few things that can compare to an act that manages to combine the two competently and in such a form that leaves you absolutely bewildered. In no small way, Spirit Possession took that to the extreme with their debut in 2020, but it is with all that they've brought to the table with "Of the Sign..." that we're given a vision that both continues what its predecessor started as well as elevated it right from the beginning. No stone is left unturned for the whole of this record with every instrument, every aspect, every riff, and every screech compile upon each other with such terrific power and expertise that "Of the Sign..." quickly transforms itself from a creation that has the potential to deliver, and more than displays its grandeur at each and every turn that Spirit Possession takes without exception. The very fires of hell have a special part to play in this creation as Spirit Possession doesn't simply grab into dark realms in order to make their brand of black metal something that we must bear witness to. Rather, this is a devilish effort whose power cannot be denied in any form. Evolving to become far more than a merely fast-paced work of black metal that seeks to emulate some sense of menace, Spirit Possession only furthers their excellent reputation with this album as it enhances and deepens their reputation that they set forth with that fateful debut.
Follow-ups such as this are few and far between after such bombastic entrances like what we saw just a few years ago. Albums like this are clear signs of victory from names that are absolutely poised to make tremendous headway in their respective sound with the underground undoubtedly their's for the taking, and it's clear with any of the nine tracks here that Spirit Possession's claim to dark glory is as undeniable as it is intimidating. "Of the Sign..." proves to be much more than a mere sequel. At every opportunity, it shows itself to be a powerhouse of an effort that demands to be heard lest you suffer its unparalleled, unholy wrath.
LISTEN to "Of the Sign..." on Bandcamp here.
FOLLOW Spirit Possession on Instagram here.
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