Bliss of Flesh isn't new to the blackened death metal scene, as they've been putting out demos, EPs, splits, singles and albums since 2000. Their newest endeavor, "Metempsychosis," released on Black Lion Records, continues their refined combination of black and death metal, with religious lyrics and pounding instrumentals. The band's members have also played in groups ranging from brutal death to melodic heavy metal, so you know they're experienced. Let's just hope their experience is put to good use in their latest batch of nine tracks.

Three of said tracks were released before the album, to build proper hype. The first one, titled "The Awakening,"  premiered with a music video on their record's YouTube channel September 3rd. A barrage of sound flows out, with melodic riffs and manic drumming, while the vocals are leaning towards the black metal side. While reading the provided lyrics, I definitely had to look up a couple Biblical terms, as they utilize those types of themes commonly. The second single was released about twenty days later, with "I Deny" sinking deeper into black metal, butting out the death metal-related elements. Typical black metal screeching and musical work, with a lengthy guitar solo that could only be described as melancholic. Got to mention the chorus too, to add some symphonic tinge. Lastly, "If Only" was released in October, and is the longest song by far, reaching seven minutes. The piano makes its presence, and ghastly German chants open the track. The track does drag on after a while though, and ends quite abruptly.

The selected tracks are a great representation of what Bliss Of Flesh has to offer on this release. I am getting some Emperor vibes, perhaps even some Deathspell Omega? The instrumental opener, "A Loss," turns from acoustic and calm to chuggy and heavy, a trend with black metal projects. "Sacrifice" is next, and this song gets the groove on. It's more melodic black metal, seemingly devoid, or at least to me, of death metal elements. A shorter track follows, as "Verdammt" continues the (more awkward) German speaking seen in the third single, and the piano part sounds exactly like "Moonlight Sonata." Hey, classical crossover is always welcome. "Adieu" jumps back into the black metal, and I'm finally hearing some more death metal parts, mainly in the riffs and instrumentation. The self-titled track adds some more lyrics in Latin, they're covering all the languages! The tremolo picking on the riffs here, and in most other songs, is extremely satisfying, and the soaring solos are great too. This song is the definite highlight of the album. The project concludes with "Martyr,"  more of the usual - no complaints there. For an album like this, it doesn't feel like it's been forty minutes - it's been years.

No wonder Bliss Of Flesh is still kicking after twenty-five years. Their black metal sound, with a hint of death result in a very likeable style. It's got bits and pieces from all of the black metal subgenres, so the melodic, the atmospheric, the symphonic and the prog fans all have something to indulge in. I'll keep my eyes peeled for their next release - before they peel them for me.