HELLPRIESTS, a fresh force emerging from the depths of California’s underground scene, have unleashed their debut demo, "Sermon", in May 2024. With a crude, unfiltered sound steeped in blasphemy and a relentless assault on religious symbolism, HELLPRIESTS enter the Black Metal arena with a raw, unapologetic fervor. This five-track offering is a brutal initiation, marked by a chaotic blend of aggression, sacrilege, and a macabre exploration of the human psyche’s darkest corners.

The opening track, "Hell’s Gate" sets the tone for what’s to come, delivering a sonic onslaught that is as apocalyptic as it is blasphemous. The lyrics invoke the fall of divine order, celebrating the chaos and destruction that Black Metal has always revered. With imagery of beheaded gods and torn angel wings, the track captures the essence of early Black Metal’s rage against the heavens, offering a powerful incantation of rebellion. The raw energy and unpolished sound give the song an authenticity that harks back to the genre’s primitive roots, making it a fitting opening salvo for this demo.

"Labyrinth" the second track, delves deeper into the murky waters of sin and damnation. Here, the band explore the twisted interplay between pleasure and pain, light and dark. The lyrics depict a journey into forbidden desires, where the lines between agony and ecstasy blur into a single, haunting experience. This track stands out as a profound exploration of the human soul’s fascination with the taboo. The sacrilegious imagery and the notion of a pilgrimage toward self-discovery in a realm where good and evil are inseparable add a layer of philosophical depth to the album. It’s a darkly poetic piece that shows HELLPRIESTS are more than just purveyors of chaos; they are also keen observers of the human condition.

The third track, "Offering" shifts the focus to ritualistic and sacrificial themes. The song paints a chilling picture of a devotee making a sacrificial offering to a demonic lord, the "Horned King". The insatiable nature of this deity is echoed in the relentless, pounding rhythm of the music. The lyrics evoke a sense of dread, as the ritualistic sacrifice of both humans and animals unfolds on a blood-soaked altar. The imagery is vivid and horrifying, cementing HELLPRIESTS’ commitment to exploring the darker aspects of spirituality and devotion. This track embodies the sheer horror and awe associated with the occult, making it a standout in the demo.

"Bleed" the fourth track, strips things down to a visceral core. The repetitive, stark lyrics create a raw depiction of self-inflicted pain and public exposure. The nihilism that pervades this song reflects a grim fascination with the darker aspects of human experience. It’s a brutally honest portrayal of pain as both personal release and public spectacle, offering a haunting glimpse into the void.

The demo closes with "Faithful" an unexpected instrumental track. This classic guitar composition evokes sadness and melancholy, a surprising yet fitting end to an otherwise relentless assault on the senses. It serves as a moment of introspection, a brief respite from the chaos, allowing the listener to reflect on the journey through HELLPRIESTS’ dark, twisted world.

Overall, "Sermon" is a fierce debut that announces HELLPRIESTS as a band to watch in the Black Metal scene. With their raw sound, unapologetic blasphemy, and exploration of the darkest aspects of existence, they’ve crafted a demo that is both brutal and thought-provoking. For those who crave the unrelenting fury of early Black Metal, HELLPRIESTS offer a fresh yet familiar voice that is sure to resonate.