On September 11, STYGIAN TEMPLE is releasing "In The Sign Of The Five Angles." STYGIAN TEMPLE is a black metal duo that hails from Germany. This album was first released on cassette in 2016, then on CD in 2017, and finally digitally in 2019. Now, it is released on 12" vinyl with The Sinister Flame. After releasing in multiple formats, this debut album may finally get widespread attention.

STYGIAN TEMPLE's style of black metal is a furious maelstrom of dark devil worship. With blast beats and melodic tremolo riffs, the band creates an atmosphere of evil. Moments of slower pacing add to the eeriness. A few orchestral elements start and end the album, carrying the atmosphere just a bit further than the instrumentals alone. The production is on the clean side for black metal. The growls are on the lower end as opposed to the higher screams found in other black metal releases.

"Intro" is worthy of a mention, even though as its title might suggest, it is merely an instrumental intro track. It sets the tone ominously for the rest of the album, with brass fanfare heralding the fury of black metal that is to come. As the first track with substance, "Soli Deo Gloria" delivers an onslaught of pure evil and cold black metal. It starts off at a menacing measured pace, but descends into madness at several points. In comparison, "Cathartic Nimbus" starts off fast and doesn't let up. The constant dissonant riffs create that cold atmosphere that black metal is known for. The rest of the album continues in much the same way. Standout moments are hard to pinpoint, though each track is as hellish as the last.

Overall, I would recommend this album to black metal fans, especially fans of early WATAIN and DARK FUNERAL. Fans of slightly raw, slightly melodic, all evil black metal should check this out. STYGIAN TEMPLE isn't groundbreaking, but it is solid devil worshipping music. Though this album was only their debut, they show a strong ability to craft black metal that is truly sinister.