After the coming of the Second Wave of Black Metal in the 90s, the genre became a worldwide phenomenon (until them, the rebirth of Black Metal was restricted to underground scenes on Europe and USA), reaching different countries and unleashing a satanic invasion that took the world by assault. And even today, the echoes of the past are still alive, as heard on “Laio”, the new full-length of the Spanish act BALMOG. Javier Félez (the owner of Moontower Studios, and who worked previously with DESTRÖYER 666, METAL AGAINST CORONAVIRUS, and countless underground acts) is the one who signs the production (that was shared with the band), recordings and mixing, while Jaime Gómez Arellano (of Orgone Studios, and is known for his works with BEHEMOTH, ANGEL WITCH, CATHEDRAL, EINHERJER and many others) did the mastering.

Their work resulted on a classic Black Metal sonority that keeps its inner features, but with av very sound layout. On the artwork, the singer/guitarist/keyboardist Balc did the cover art, artwork and layout, creating a fine visual presentation. On its 5th full-length, the trio brings a classic and cold form of Black Metal, filled with aggressiveness and very good somber appeal (improved by many subjective melodies); on the other hand, it’s sounding refreshing and young due the trio’s approach that breathes new life on such old format. For the fans, it’s truly a very good release, filled with energy and personality for this way on Black Metal (cold, nasty and somber, but with very good rhythmic shifts).

A Black Metal fan (or even those addicted to extreme Metal ways) will love the ways of the band shown on “Falling”, “Mud to Gold”, “Tongue in Pieces”, “Like God Who Knows”, “Ortus Umbra”, “Mashalam”, “The Silence of the Trumpets” and “Getsemaní” are depictions of a solid and very good instrumental sheath (with sharp guitar riffs, very good bass guitar and drums playing and charming keyboards) with very good growls of the vocals. It’s kind of different from the usual, indeed. “Laio” is a very good offering of this veteran that has more than 20 years of experience, so dive into BALMOG’s music and enjoy.