BEGERITH were formed in 2003 in the Eastern lands of Russia, before the members of the band relocated to Poland.  Having released their second album "A.D.A.M." on November this year, together they unleash their black/death metal style with influences of elegance and dread. We can notice the tracks of the album are numbered consecutively in roman numerals, following the name "A.D.A.M."; while the band members are also numbered. I wonder what the cryptic story is behind this.

When unfurling the first song "A.D.A.M. I", the dark atmosphere reigns down, in thunderous vocals, shaking guitars and slamming drums. Interesting experiments are unleashed on the drums, alternating between varied rhythms across the kit and intensified blast beats. The next track "A.D.A.M. II" unleashes choppy guitar riffs and drums that together sound like machine guns. The third "A.D.A.M. III" begins with an introductory riff, as well as off-beat of drums, followed by tight fills. As the song progresses, drums turn into fast blasts as guitars quickly jump their way up and down the fretboard. As the instruments slow, deep, gutsy vocals take center-stage, against a backdrop of high-pitched guitar stretches.

"A.D.A.M. VI" is my favorite on the album, tight and punchy with double-bass maneuvers of the drums, following some drained out guitar chords. Tremolo guitars sustain out in transitions which slow down as vocals fill up the space.  There are intricate transitions and rapid changes emerging here-and-there, though, some repeated themes cling on to the ear.  A quick pause at the near-end of the song takes us by surprise as the full instruments make a short return, before fading out. A dash of synth is sometimes used, at the smallest degree, such as in "A.D.A.M. VII", which supplements the chord changes, and brings a dark power to the sound. Some parts of this song become increasingly more complex in sound and timing, adding to the sense of chaos. "A.D.A.M. IX" has an interesting beginning, in an unusual rhythmic interaction of drums and guitars. Guitars waver up to high pitches repeatedly, contrasting against the deep vocals, which stay persistent at a monotone, deep level.

"A.D.A.M. X" is layered with some foreboding speeches against a back-drop of guitar distortion. Vocal chants also paint a dark scene in the hidden track "NOME FATAS HISS MORTUS", along with an echoed, watery soundscape that leaves behind a sinister feel. "A.D.A.M" releases a strong performance of combined black and death metal. Throughout the album, I can hear Polish black metal influences from BEGERITH, having reminded me of BEHEMOTH in style. In this recent release, BEGERITH unleash their fury by combining technical experimentations with dank atmosphere, so personally, I'd rate it highly for songwriting.