Formed in 2014 out of Dresden, Germany, this five-piece Doom/Death Metal group has produced their sophomore album "Trial By Ordeal". The band borders the line between Doom and Death Metal. Using elements from both genres allows them to have broader appeal as well as a unique sound than most. BLACK THYRIA does keep along the Doom lines as they us two bassists and two guitarists to really emphasize the low tones and make the mid ranges more robust. The fact that these two genres are close in the tones allows BLACK THYRIA to transition between both of them with relative ease.

"Cardinal's Sins" kicks off the album with an ominous dueling guitar riff that adds layers and intensity throughout the opening of the track. The dark speech patterns used also adds that dark feel to the track. The song then kicks into high gear with heavy riffs from both bassists and guitarists. This gives the track just an all-around heavy punch. The scream vocal work fits well with these riffs adding a doomy feel. "Devil's Punchbowl" reveals the Death Metal side of BLACK THYRIA. The vocals are deeper but no less powerful. The track sounds very eclectic offering no melody that can be followed throughout the song. There is a lack of continuity throughout the track. Almost as if the individual members were doing their own part and not blending with the other sounds produced. The vocal work stands out as the strong focal point throughout this track. "Heteronomous Suicide" begins with a clean bass riff that I found odd at first but as you listen through the song, that bass line actually provides a solid foundation for the song. The transitions and blending of the Death and Doom genres are well presented. The slower, sludgier elements give the song a foreboding aura. This track is a haunting devil drive of heavy instrumentals all the way through, infused with sinister tones. "Human Wallet" begins to veer into more of a Melodic Death Metal sound. The melodies presented by the good guitar work brings a brighter mood than previous tracks on this album. The driving instrumental work emphasizes that melody but also brings in a groove-like presence. For me, this is by far the best track on the album because the music is well done and the vocals compliment those sounds. The melody holds a good continuity through the song but also blends it into unfamiliar territory so as not to become repetitive.

All in all, "Trial By Ordeal" is hit and miss. The tracks that they do hit on are pretty well done and the tracks that they miss on, don't miss by much. A couple of the tracks, I would have liked to hear more continuity and blending but even the ones that aren't as well done have some good points. Using the double bass players really adds and interesting layer to BLACK THYRIA. It opens them up to heavier sounds. Like I said the band formed in 2014 so they are still in the phase of trying to solidify their sound. "Trial By Ordeal" in my opinion is a stop on the road to refinement.