We have a black metal duo called WARMOON LORD from Finland, as there are so many black metal bands coming from Scandinavia. It is safe to say that WARMOON LORD are no strangers to the black metal scene in Finland as they have been together since their formation in 2019 as they were pretty quick in releasing what was their debut album titled BURNING BANNERS OF THE FUNEREAL WAR. This album was a total of six tracks, two of which were instrumental, as this album was released through the record label Werespell Records as this album paved the way for black metal fans to dig into. So after this in 2020, the band did also do a split album with Finnish black metal band VULTYRIUM.

They moved on quickly enough after this, as the year of 2021, WARMOON LORD were set to release their follow up sophomore album titled BATTLESPELLS which also includes an instrumental track as their opening intro to the album. Along the way since then, they released a live album in 2024 titled LIVE AT DARKNESS OVER CUMBRIA, but now they are all set for what is to be their third album to date titled SACROSANCT DEMONOPATHY as we are in the year 2025, the album was released in May. So let’s take a look into their studio album starting with intro track “Warpoems And Tragedies” which opens with acoustic guitar as well as lead electric guitar plus bells being tolled in the background.

Electric guitar quickly ramps up the volume to a more distorted and discord sound, drums join in too as we hear a secondary guitar line playing a tremolo effect or picking notes hastily. So this is what we have been waiting for, as the black metal duo continue this instrumental track, cymbal hits even acoustic guitar returning again towards the end, as we head on into the second track. “Invoking The Retribution Eidolon” as pulsating guitars swoop in for vengeance and almighty torment, vocals come in as they are black metal, lots of aggressive screeches. This is perhaps mirroring the imagery of what we could call entering the gates of hell, on a different scale, with blastbeat drumming; this is most likely the case in this track.

“A Hungering Yoke” a continuation of those black metal elements, blastbeat drumming, rapid guitar riffs and demonic vocals; but is there any gap or pause in sight. Well I guess the answer is no as the duo march on, even some hints of a more alternative metal sound comes in halfway through the track, we also hear vocal chants in the background or perhaps keyboard sound effects. Drums do get an opportunity to shine though, as vocals pull back, even the whole atmosphere of the track changes for drums to stand out and get some punch patterns in there, before electric guitar comes storming in again. Even the rest of the track isn’t as intense but still has the racing tempo we heard at the start of the track, with drums keeping the pace alive.

“Tartaros Offering” crashing cymbals, guitars sliding up with their fingers and melodic sounds really make this track a bit different to the previous track however the tempo remains in the same league, the intensity is lifted in some way by the arrival of vocals. Then a short transition with cymbal hits, then guitar brings the track back to its original direction, vocals screaming their way through each vocal line. Then cymbals are being struck more and more, as vocal whispers can be heard before the main vocalist comes back for more, so a lot more of what we heard before. “Uncreations Dragon” is up next as we hear guitar picking notes and some extraneous noise in the background, before marching drums join in with melodic guitar also in the mix.

This track is certainly not as bass heavy as the previous track, there are definitely more melodic themes here at work, drums even mix up various patterns but the pace is similar enough with tempo but the pattern itself is not as constant. There are parts where the drums pulsate but differently, the guitar follows along very well to keep up and well the vocals pull back a lot more, so guitar and drums have more airplay. The blastbeat drumming is active once more, as vocals have their say, as we approach the next track, which is “His Enigmatic Ways”. As the fast drumming returns with tom fills thundering down like a quick bolt of lightning would, there is no sign of backing down from these two black metal musicians.

Sharp crispy cymbal patterns go faster and just as quick as before, more of the bell tone from the ride cymbal too before we hear building of intensity on the toms, lead guitar adapts well to the good speed that has been set by drums. Vocals have that chamber echo effect going, so their words are heard and reverberate for the real black metal tone, a short intermission of birds chirping as well as keyboard sounds before drums come back in with lead guitar. Slower tempo for drums and lead guitar, very unusual but certainly gives some clarity of the individual instruments themselves, vocals swaying but screaming their head off. An increase in tempo just before the track ends, as we venture into “Daemonic Supremacy Enthroned”.

Acoustic guitar playing so much of a melody, this is certainly a change in the bands plan of action, but never fear the black metal mass hysteria comes back with avengeance, through vocals, drums and lead guitar as well as bass guitar. Racing ahead, the drums create so much of a wall of sound, with lead guitar and vocals making a small difference, drums halve their tempo as lead guitar follows along before they go back to the original black metal tempo. So we can now come to the final track which is “Torch Of Magickal Arte” as slow speed drums and lead guitar set this track off as we hear a gradual crescendo in lead guitar or drums. No vocals to speak of just yet, as this final track is a chance for guitar and drums to embellish and take the centre of the stage, as we come to a close with this album.

That is pretty much it and a great way to end which is a slow gradual descent in volume for all instruments, the black metal duo themselves certainly knows what they are doing, how to approach songwriting, as each track does have a different identity. So what more is there to know about the band other than that, they have given us a different side to black metal we don’t often hear and I commend them for their efforts, I shall see what they have in store for us next time they are releasing more music.