KARKOSA is a Blackened Death Metal band hailing from Indiana, USA. Relatively new to the scene, they released an EP in 2018, and now return with their debut full-length album titled “Esoterrorcult.” The album has ten songs. “Ensorcelled Spirits” is first. Out of the gates is a thick and evil Black Metal sound, augmented with precision drumming and inventive riffs. The vocals vary between horrid screams and gutturals, and you can hear the band’s talent in their performances. “Poison of God” is another song with an expansive background and another incredible drum performance. This is how one Black Metals…retaining the harrowing sound of the forefathers but adding a modern spin with musicianship.

“Tomb of Hiram Abiff” refers to a character in ancient times. Hiram is presented as the chief architect of King Solomon's Temple. He is murdered inside this Temple by three ruffians, after they failed to obtain from him the Master Masons' secrets. The themes of the allegory are the importance of fidelity, and the certainty of death. “Axis Mundi” hear the frantic pace of the album slow finally. How can a band keep up with such decadence? We will get to that later. The clean guitar tones are somber and augmented with the cackling of crows in the background. “Remnants of Creation” is a little slower and as a listener, you can really take in all of the subtle riff changes. Thick, reverberating bass notes help to round out the sound, and they are filthy.

“Cyclopian Gateway” has some nifty guitar strikes that make the riff sound fuller, and so far, this band shows no sign of slowing down. “Shattered Throne” is another straightforward burner that utilizes the “one-two” riff steps that you often hear in Black Metal, but the band is not satisfied with just that…the riffs jump out at you, each marked with deadly precision. “The Freezing Shadows of the Eternal Winter” being with “Hail, Satan.” The sound is so very evil at its core that you can’t squeeze a spec of light between the absolute darkness. “Angelus Ejectiones” closes the album. It has a strong combination of harrowing elements with a sheer display of musicianship.

Black Metal can indeed be exciting, and this album surely is. What struck me most about the band was they are relatively new to the genre, but execute their music with precision and seasoned musicianship, and the album is every bit as frightening as you would want it to be. Who said Americans can’t steal a corner of this market?