Hardcoresounds Mag. (fin)
“In demonology, Belphegor is a demon who helps people to make discoveries. He seduces people by suggesting to them ingenious inventions that will make them rich. According to some 16th century demonologists, his power is stronger in April.”… In music Belphegor is an Austrian blackened death metal band which was formed back in 1993. During their long career the band has put out six albums and their seventh album titled “Bondage Goat Zombie” will be released ironically in April 15th through Nuclear Blast.

So “Bondage Goat Zombie” is the latest effort from the Austrian Satan worshippers. I must begin mentioning that band´s previous efforts are totally unknown to me so I can´t do much comparisons to band´s previous production. But I can begin by saying that it´s been awhile since I have last time enjoyed black metal as much as I enjoyed listening to “Bondage Goat Zombie”. After few spins the reaper comes and just rips the heart out from your chest and feeds it to the crows. The album kicks off with creepy church bells ringing and suddenly the Armageddon begins when the main Satan himself, vocalist Helmuth opens his vocal chords.
He has a typical Germanic voice that fits as well into the desperate atmosphere as a grandmother into quicksand.
The blast beats and destruction becomes even heavier within the next two tracks “Stigma Diabolicum” and “Armageddon´s Raid”. “Bondage Goat Zombie” is a living beast which proof Helmuth´s amazing shredding skills.
The sixth track “Shred For Satan” which is my personal tracks just shreds the listener into little pieces. The song really has a feeling of an Armageddon where no one gets saved. Also the blast beat drumming on the track is top notch! “Der Rutenmarsch” which ends the album is an majestic, atmospheric closing which could have been even described as “black metal ballad”. The song has a little Rammstein vibe but still overall it´s really unique and gives the album the ending it deserves.

With three letters, WOW! “Bondage Goat Zombie” really knocked me out from the chair when I put it into my CD-player and I am 100% sure all self-respecting black metal fans around the world will witness the same kind of feeling while listening to the album. Now get your horns up and get prepared!
The massacre in paradise will start on April 11th when this CD lands stores!


4/5 Hardcoresounds.net by Arto Mäenpää Finland