The relentless force known as HAMMERFILOSIFI returns this October with their most uncompromising work to date, "Signum." A testament to sonic extremity, "Signum" is more than an album — it's a proclamation. A declaration of resistance, mysticism, and philosophical warfare delivered with unwavering intent. In the shadows where legends are born, the album was mastered at the revered Endarker Studio/ The legacy of those brutal recordings echoes in every decibel of this album — sharpened, ritualistic, and violently alive. This is not music for the faint of heart. This is "Signum." HAMMERFILOSOFI is not here to entertain. They're here to hammer in their mark.

The album has eight songs, and "A Dance Above the Abyss" is first. Opening bells strikes provide a stern warning…turn back now, or be caught in the maelstrom. What follows is a veritable storm of darkness, aggression, and shouted vocals. It's like a war of infantry, where you can feel every kill you make. What it settles into can best be described as anguish and sorrow. "Falling Monuments" is equally as thick and intense, although the pacing is slowed a bit. Darkness is what this song is all about…an experience that is like peering into a black hole and seeing the void. "My Blood is my Voice." Is another harrowing affair, and so far, the band presses on the gas pedal and doesn't let up. The vocals are tortured and twisted, like a murdering clown who left the circus.

"Centuries" has a deep, cavernous sound that reminds me of the nine planes of hell opening wide to a newly recruited soul. The vocals are aggressive, somber, and delivered matter-of-factly. It's black, filthy, and swampy, and makes me want to shower after the listen. "Funeral Veil" is faster, more intense, more aggressive, and takes no prisoners. The drums blast away like a machine gun over the thick bed of riffs as the vocals try to blot both of them out. Trying to count the drum beats could send your brain into an irreparable spiral. "The Destroyer of Worlds" is indeed a destructive song. The drums rattle like ammunition and the guitars create a concrete wall that can't be penetrated. Add the harrowing, harsh vocals to the mix and you have a soundtrack for destruction.

"Meta-morphobic (The Infamous Lord of Shadows)" eases in like a villain scoping out his next move. It's depressive, harrowing, straightforward, and powerful. The vocals are once again anguished and twisted. "Premonitions Long Forgotten" is the final song, and it seems the band has pocketed some of their energy into this last push. It's chaotic, controlled, aggressive, and deadly. The world feels like it is ready to explode, and HAMMERFILOSIFI will take the spoils. Overall, this was indeed a violently alive album, as well as a statement from the band that they are here to subvert you to their will. The intensity never lets up, and it sounds like they are unearthing Hell itself on the album.