Metal maniacs, rejoice! I'm proud to present to you: KHASHM; signed via Iron Bonehead Productions, hailing from the Russian Federation - performing Black Metal, on their 4^th album entitled "Asmodeus Rising" (released May 26^th, 2017).

Since formation in 2008; the quintet in question have 3 albums behind them, I'm introduced to their 4^th deliverance "Asmodeus Rising". Russian Black Metal?! This should be a interesting. 6 tracks ranging at around 45 minutes, the quartet provide an intricately designed slab of solid, hard-hitting Black Metal. Right off the earphones with "Black Rays Of Pentagram", KHASHM formulate a constructive yet progressive formula of savagely sinister songwriting adroitness while fusing the dark, ambient atmosphere of a hellish abyss shrouding this world into oblivion. Winterheart on vocals produces agonizing Black Metal cords using the amalgamation of gruff and snarled dominance. "Obsidian Keys" demonstrates old school vibes of Metal arrangements and develops that into a blend of well-organized instrumentation, and sufficient amounts of menacingly prominent adaptation.

"Spiritum Serpentum" is a 6:26 instrumental...enlightened with blackening; deathly eerily and dark filled ambience which makes one believe that the band live up to their name - as the chasm infinitely descends into nothingness. It's a nice track that gives you tension, and distinctive characteristics of organic substances with a liquid aesthetic - although I imagine this will put off the extreme Black Metal fans who are looking for nothing but just that. Consisting of Kreator on guitars who shares complex dexterity in his fretwork, the man showcases an efficient amount of consistently flourishing techniques which attribute to a sound production that's very dry yet balanced with dark occult and abysmal overtone. The harmonic melodies really suit the structure as powerhouse drummer A.V. & bassist Erier excel with a marching drum beats, and pummeling intensity - especially in the 4^th track "Ancient Queen".

If you thought the 3^rd track was ridiculously climatic, wait until you hear the titular track "Asmodeus Rising". 17:05 of the same vanity but significantly longer, KHASHM make listeners think what they were aiming for? My guess is that they wanted divide the evil nature of Black Metal, and compile that with seamlessly enticing progression with cavernously obscure primitiveness. On a personal level, it was admirable and enlightening to an extent – but if you want more of that, the other tracks including the concluding track "The Hidden One" supply with, which is ultimately fulfilling Black Metal...you're only getting a few tracks. Overall, this was a unique record with much distinguishable diversity and varies to a manifestation in a grandiose of stunning excellence. If you can appreciate the 2 ambient tracks, this is a Black Metal record that all fans should check out to at least once.<