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Divinum Sanguinem

Ildaruni

I was most impressed by the high level of musicianship the band has, in addition to their strong sense of songwriting. Black Metal doesn’t need to remain in the shadows, with bad production and an overly thickened sound, and ILDARUNI prove this point on “Divinum Sanguinem.”
October 11, 2025

ILDARUNI's new album marks a powerful evolution, moving away from their pagan/folk roots to fully embrace raw, atmospheric black metal. Inspired by ancient mysticism and lore, the record weaves dark, immersive soundscapes featuring melodic chanting, authentic choir, and grand orchestral arrangements. A new era Is unveiled...Ancient darkened rites and forgotten mythos converge, awakening a slumbering force from the gilded shrine. The trumpets of damnation shall sound seven times, summoning from the void the god of covenants. With spite and thirst, the fire-born shall raise the sulfur dagger profane to scald and shed the blood, presaging new woeful revelation.

The album has nine songs, and "Mithras Alone is My Wreath" is first. It's a short, instrumental lead-in, and the tones are dark, dangerous, and even somber at times. "The Ascension of Kosmokrator" is next. It's thick, sturdy, and aggressive, with fast moving guitars and vocal screams. With some of the guitar harmonies, the album borders on Melodic Black Metal, which is just an observation. "Of Nomos and Flaming Flint Stone" offers up another plate of aggression, but this time with a side of intricate guitar work…something you don't often hear in the genre of Black Metal. "Zuvan Akrane" is another thick and fast mover where the band hits the meters with deadly accuracy, and their musicianship is noteworthy. The aggressive Black Metal landscape is still there, but their instrumental prowess is impressive.

"Arcane Sermon" begins with a section of choirs that sing into the dead night before the aggression returns with a vengeance. The choirs return, and they sound like something you might sing when performing a ritual. "Immersion into Empyrean" is slower, and even more harrowing. Again, the guitar work is excellent. Meaty bass notes mix in as well, and this is something else you don't hear a lot in the genre, but they provide a heavy bottom end. "Scorching Pathways to Samachi" begins with a passage of clean guitars before the contentious sound returns once again. Once again, the band puts on a display of what Black Metal guitars should sound like.

The title track closes the album, and it's a good combination of aggression, darkness, and musicianship. The addition of backing choirs adds flavor to the harrowing sound. Overall, I was most impressed by the high level of musicianship the band has, in addition to their strong sense of songwriting. Black Metal doesn't need to remain in the shadows, with bad production and an overly thickened sound, and ILDARUNI prove this point on "Divinum Sanguinem."

 

8 / 10

Excellent

Songwriting

8

Musicianship

8

Memorability

8

Production

8
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"Divinum Sanguinem" Track-listing:

1. Mithras Alone is My Wreath

2. The Ascension of Kosmokrator

3. Of Nomos and Flaming Flint Stone

4. Forged with Glaive and Blood

5. Zurvan Akrane

6. Arcane Sermon

7. Immersion into Empyrean

8. Scorching Pathways to Samachi

9. Divinum Sanguinem

 

Ildaruni Lineup:

Narek Avedyan – Vocals

Robert Meliksetyan – Guitars, Acoustic Guitars

Mark Erskine – Guitars

Artak Karapetyan – Bass

Arthur Poghosyan – Drums, Dap

 

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