AT THE ALTAR OF THE HORNED GOD is an Atmospheric Black Metal/Ritual Ambient band formed in Spain in 2019. This is their sophomore release, and it has eight songs. "Listen" is the first. Hypnotic drum beats and ritualistic vocals lead off the song, chanting evil prophecies. A riff comes in from there, but it's not your prototypical Black Metal riff, and the chants grow louder and more aggressive. "Closing Circle" is another harrowing affair. One thing that the band is good at, is creating atmosphere in their music. The vocals are very ritualistic, living up to the aforementioned description of the band.

"Heart of Silence" is a more typical Black Metal sound, with rolling drums and thick guitars. The vocals are clean at first, and done in a monotone way. Again, great atmosphere in this song. You can almost visualize the sacrificial elements. "Chthonic Summoning" is a straight up scary sound that will shake you in your seat. You lean forward, hanging on his every word. The music builds, and your anxiety increases. "Guardian of the Threshold" begins with heavy hammer strikes, and some background ambiance. The clean vocals are harmonized an octave apart, accentuating the eccentric element of the music. The harsh vocals are frightening beyond belief.

"Anointed with Fire" rolls with a thick bass of drums and guitars, and more chanting vocals, done with a rasp. It has a more standard Black Metal sound, although the riffs are structured well. "God Is in the Rain" has some Dungeon Synth elements in the music, with repeated vocals. This song is very ritualistic once again. "Severing Light" closes the album. Another ritualistic song, it wrestles with shadows and the darker side of life, which makes sense give the title. I will typically pick at least one promo from I,Voidhanger Records, because they have the most unique artists on their rosters. Once again, they have found a real gem here. The music isn't overly complicated, but very easy to listen to, and you will walk away a few shades darker inside after listening to this chilling and disturbing sound.Purchase Link:

https://i-voidhangerrecords.bandcamp.com/album/heart-of-silence