Helig, Helig, Helig
Chalice of Blood
•
February 22, 2015

In keeping with traditional Scandinavian Black Metal fashion, Swedish masters of the dark arts, CHALICE OF BLOOD, seem intent on keeping their identities as a mystery (or I just didn't look far or deep enough to locate them). Their decision to do so did not keep them from making music, and thus they have put forth their latest effort entitled "Helig, Helig, Helig". At a mere five songs in length, there isn't a lot of playing time but their focus seems more about the message than earning their place in Black Metal infamy. Alongside such names as DARKTHRONE, MAYHEM, IMMORTAL, and EMPEROR, CHALICE OF BLOOD possess that early, raw feel to their music, leaving out the notion that their "modern" existence is designed to impress or do anything but stay "trve" to the scene that was created in the early 90's by the aforementioned Norwegian Black Metal counterparts.
I don't imagine this band inspiring the current generation to go out and worship Satan or burn churches, but the message relayed on this album does indeed harken back to its evil roots. The theme is overtly Satanic and makes no reservations about being so. However, the general atmospheric tone to the instrumentation and vocals give it a lighter-than-heavy feel. Most of the guitar work is demonstrated on the higher scales and octaves and there is virtually no bass or other sounds present on the lower end of the sound spectrum. It gives the evil sound an almost anti-gravity feel. It also continues the tradition of relatively poor recording standards so commonly associated with early Black Metal records. The members of CHALICE OF BLOOD certainly must have been aware of that, considering the advances in production software and hardware that are accessible even to bands without a tremendous budget.
One fairly appealing thing about that Black Metal sound is the use of chord harmonics on guitar. The ringing effect that I hear somehow strikes my eardrums as pleasant, even in the most violent of musical measures. That being said, any fan of traditional and even Post-Black Metal will find "Helig, Helig, Helig" easy to listen to, and perhaps use as a mood enhancer for the ritual of sacrificial animal slaughter. There's nothing glamorous about this album, so for anyone who likes Black Metal or similar music, this is a good source of new material released in the current millennium.<
6 / 10
Had Potential

"Helig, Helig, Helig" Track-listing:
1. Hoor-Paar-Kraat
2. Nightside Serpent
3. Shemot
4. The Communicants
5. Transcend the Endless
Chalice of Blood Lineup:
Unknown
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