Lord Belial the personage is also known as the ‘lord of lies’ and the ‘master of deception.’ In Sweden, LORD BELIAL is known as a Black Metal trio that emerged in 1993, split in 2009 only to reemerge some 13 years later in the 2022 with the aptly named full-length album,  Rapture. Three years on, they’ve maintained their uncanny momentum, delivering another slab of evil and deceit with Unholy Trinity via Hammerheart Records on June 27, 2025.

For those who are counting, this is the 11^th album (10^th full length) from LORD BELIAL. Not even tinnitus and time can keep this band down. Clocking in at over 48 minutes this nine-track album delivers the goods—dark blasphemous goods of unspeakable evil and depravity. Production values are surprisingly good, making it clear that not only is there some dark art going on with the songwriting composition-wise but in its execution as well.

Lyrically, Unholy Trinity is something of a hellish trip. And I mean that in a good way. Each track spins a dark narrative relishing in the demise of mankind and the eternal night to come—"For with every night, there is less hope for a dawn” (“The Great Void”).

Standout tracks are “In Chaos Transcend” which mixes hypnotic melodic with unsettling dissonance. Sometimes it’s hard to believe LORD BELIAL is a trio with the level of complexity going on. I especially like the choral synth lurking in the background of this track, creating an almost subliminal atmosphere of dread. Another track that excels at building atmosphere is “The Great Void.” This track opens with an acoustic guitar which is reprised at key stages of the composition. Thomas Backelin’s vocals, as harsh as you’d expect, are also unusually clear . . . not clean, but clear. Some great enunciation. No lyrics sheet needed. This, again, attests to the crisp production.

Picking right up on the heels of “The Great Void” is the final epic track, “Antichrist.” Stretching out to over eight minutes, this single track is a short EP unto itself. It ranges from frenetic to Doom-infused to Symphonic . . . well, evil blackened Symphonic. A stunning lead solo on this track as well by guest guitarist Andy LaRoque (KING DIAMOND, DEATH).

LORD BELIAL have been stalwarts of the Black Metal scene regardless of their long break. First with Rapture and now with Unholy Trinity they offer profane testimony that their dark talents intensified during their absence.