Deep within the heart of Peru’s beautiful expanse of the capital city of Lama comes a dark and notorious black metal underground scene. Having a heavy influence inspired by the original first two waves of black metal and the keeping to the original philosophy of the genre. South America is a hotbed for black metal and has forged its own style within the genre. It just hits differently. With its dark raw aggressive tones and the disgust with the mainstream and popularity, it’s no surprise that this Peruvian black metal group had formed here.

GOAT SEMEN formed back within the early part of 2000 and has since made a vile name for themselves over the years. Spearheading the resurgence of the blackened death wave in South America at the time with their first demo “Southamerican Terrorist Black Death Destruction”, the band soon gained in notoriety that further added to the Peruvian black metal culture. Over the years, these goats have not only showcased the meaning of what Trv Kvlt South American black metal truly is but their dedication to it with a number of releases over the years. With that being said, GOAT SEMEN is back once again after a two year wait from their split with “COVEN OF IMPURITY”. With their latest EP “Fuck Christ” released under Hells Headbangers Records banner on July 26, 2024. These guys bring you raw bestial Paruvian blackened death with five intense tracks for 18:03 minutes that hit in a chaotic torrent of aggression. So let's hit play.

Looking at that album art, simple and powerful and black and white. Keeping to that traditional black metal feel. What appears to be the skull of Jesus adorned with his crown of thorn and a cross shoved through it that protrudes inverted out the bottom. Red coloring for the logo and album name with the logo sitting at the top and the gothic font chosen for the album name is bottom left. Immediately you are slammed with raw aggression as “Midnight Worship” wastes no time getting into it. Heavy raw low tuned distorted guitars blare over blast beats and an opening bestial growl that set the speed. Before long we are met with a solid drum break down as the main riff carries on before the vile vocals kick in. A steady bombardment carries the tonality and I love it! “Los ojos de Judas” starts with a crazy blast beat before a heavy chord power chord progression kicks in. A simple breakdown lets the visceral bestial vocals kick in which leads into demonic laughter. Truly a chaotic track that will remind you of the first wave of black metal with elements of  VENOM, BATHORY and PRIESTERMORD.

So one of the main things that I love about GOAT SEMEN is the raw aggressive tone that they produce. Trv Kvlt black metal that reminds me, as I have mentioned previously, of the traditions and philosophy of what black metal is meant to be. Grotesque and vile as it is beautiful. Those who know me will know that I follow this same dark mindset. Black metal is not meant for everyone and that's the point. For a black metal album staying true to the original tonality, the production value wasn't that bad either. With “Fuck Christ” you get just that, raw unapologetic black metal. A form of black metal that will remind you heavily of the original first wave. With tones and elements of VENOM and BATHORY, but leaning into influences such as IMPERATOR, PREISTERMORD and even BEHERIT at times. These guys stay true to the original tone. Though diverse as it may be, South American Black metal just hits differently.  

“Prophets of Hell” begins with a slower tone having a drowned out guitar and drums that slow the pace right down. Those vile bestial vocals kick in as well with low growls. But before long this track picks right back up. Raw chaos that builds with an intense aggressive tone ravages you. As the track plays the speed and intensity only builds before a well placed break down turns it into a manic chaotic torrent of manic distortion. The vocals are raspy and vile as they coat the riffs. The track fades off into the sound of automatic gun shots that close off an amazing album.  So if you enjoy raw black metal that will have you reminded of the early 90’s and appreciate that raw aggression, then this is for you. GOAT SEMEN is an amazing testament to Peruvian and South American black metal. “Fuck Christ” is a fantastic EP that you need in your collection if you enjoy everything black metal. I am personally looking forward to their next release and keeping a close eye on them.