Finally, after four years since the release of the "Misterium" demo in 2014, the Polish band CHANID shot this exquisite full-length, "Lucifer," for Casus Belli Musica on May 15, 2018, and I can only immediately say that this is fiercely excellent starting from the cover art concept and design that were created by Vladimir Prokofiev (Paint-It-Black) to the content of the physical material. Keeping the themes addressed in his first work, the band followed the concept giving "Lucifer" a voice to tell his own story from his point of view and this is an idea that always passed in my mind so at least for me it is a good vision.

The band was born in Warsaw in 2011 and the current lineup consists of Shadar on vocals, Forest (DIABOLUS SANCTIS, EMPHERIS) on guitars, Necrofilip (GOD SAID NO, GORTAL, LICOREA, former DRUZGOTOR, ex-TERATOSIS, ex-STRAIN on bass and Burner of the Cross (MORBOSUS, ex-EMPHERIS) on the drums. Although Chanid existed almost seven years ago, they have released so far only one demo, "Misterium," in 2015. Throughout that time, band members devoted their time to rehearsals and shows, so obviously we can conclude that the incubation worked perfectly.

Tightening the play for this album is like having the feeling of an encounter with the "own" intro in "Introit Lucifer" with its 2:05 minutes of soul-chilling winds and a gruesome atmosphere that ends as a Machiavellian intonation that cries out name of "Lúcifeeeeer", this with slight choirs in the background, so it's an interesting atmosphere to start a Black metal album. All this fires into a solid line in "Evocation Of Lucifer" with speedy instrumentality and the almost spitting voice of Shadar that seems to incorporate the wrath of one who has a chance to speak.

One detail that draws my attention to this album is that that really faithful line of follow-up is taken to the letter so furious vocals and frantic instrumentation added to a hazy atmosphere should be the standard in Black Metal but we see so many changes that have a new album following the roots of the old school is something incredible on its own, especially if we think that everything has changed so much within the follow up.

The only sad fact about "Lucifer" is that it is a short album with only eight tracks but it runs at all times for moments reminiscent of CHRIST AGONY and old ABIGOR and even GORGOROTH and EMPEROR, with some exceptional lines in "Pamiec Swiatlosci" and "Stagnant Hours. There are no impressive or innovative factors in this work but whatever it is about keeping Black Metal referrals, I conclude that it is an excellent choice for this year. 
Highlights for "Consummatum Est!" And "Ancient Forces".