DEATHSPELL OMEGA is definitely one of the most interesting Black Metal bands out there right now, and they prove it once again with their latest release "Paracletus", which ends the trilogy the band had started with the albums "Si Monumentum Requires, Circumspice" (2004) and "Ite, Maledicti, In Ignem Aeternum". What has changed in the DEATHSPELL OMEGA camp this time though? Time for a quick history lesson.

It was in 2003 when Mikko Aspa (known for his work with Finnish Black Metal act CLANDESTINE BLAZE) joined the band to replace Shaxul, who had left DEATHSPELL OMEGA because of the growing Orthodox Satanism elements in their music. Since then, the band's sound was becoming more and more chaotic, but this time it's a bit different.

"Paracletus" presents a still chaotic, yet more structural DEATHSPELL OMEGA then ever before. The noise passages that were previously used have given their place to "doomy" Black Metal riffs and melodic changes. The ambient-like samples are absent this time, with relentless blasting, as well as slower, almost suffocating guitars (check out the two "Epiklesis" songs). The French horde has actually managed to still think out of the box and retain its chaotic sound, while also create an album that has an actual structure, insane riffs and a futuristic sound. Yes, "Paracletus" is probably giving you a sample of Black Metal's future, since this is probably at least 10 years ahead.

Even though DEATHSPELL OMEGA remain a band that is far from the "easy listening" category, the album's approximately 42 minutes of music make it more "digestible", even though you have to be brave enough to let your self be dragged into the schizophrenic music of "Paracletus" several times. The French round up the trilogy pretty damn well and the only thing I have to do is to admit their excellence. Well done!