From Bandcamp, "Cycle of Death" is a journey through the bleak and twisted minds of its characters, captured across seven intense tracks. The album delves deep into the contrasts between the architects of faith and the consumed followers, revealing the dark interplay between belief, manipulation, and desperation. At its core lies the eponymous track, "Cycle of Death," which anchors the album’s central theme: the acceptance of death, the stark recognition of life’s futility, and the inescapable loneliness. In its relentless exploration of the vanity of existence, the album invites listeners to confront the idea that, in death, humanity is ultimately isolated, no matter the illusion of belief.”

The album has seven songs, and “The Priest” is first. It begins as a slow grind of a heavy riff and when drums and vocals are added, the sound fills out, but it is not without some somber, stalwart melodies, and even some strings. “Mercenary Seer” begins with ethereal piano tones, and this Black Metal band is using many different techniques to tell the tale of the “Cycle of Death.” The vocals are also varied, from screams to gutturals even. This song has a hasty quality to it, as if you are chasing the end of the world, and the events are unfolding in front of your eyes.

The title track also features piano, and deep bass guitar notes. It begins inauspiciously, although the bass and drum strikes are weighted. It has a slow and steady sound, driven by feelings of desperation. “Executioner” sounds to me like the coming of he who must carry out the sentence. Time draws out like a blade when he makes his way through the basement maze and to the hanging area outside. Voices hush from whispers to total silence, as he raises his blade and carries out the sentence. “The Blind” begins with solemn strings, before aggression takes over. Even with the horrid harsh vocals, the song retains a core melody that carries it over the abyss.

“Faceless Warrior” also begins with piano notes, seguing into a rich and horrid landscape of aggression and somber leanings. As it moves, it gets more desperate, and more hopeless. “Beginning of New War” closes the album, and it’s almost as if another chapter opens. But it’s a chapter of futility, and the realization that life doesn’t really matter much. All we have is the time that was given to us. This is how you do modern Black Metal in my opinion. The band embraces several instruments not often used in the genre, and they take their roots, expand upon them, and usher them into the modern world. It does indeed reflect principles such as the futility of life, and inevitable loneliness that many of us feel.