During the rise of the Second Wave of Black Metal, it was a bit strange to see that no North American relevant name appeared siding with European names. It’s obvious that there were many USA Black Metal acts on those days, as VON, PROFANATICA, ABSU, JUDAS ISCARIOT, EPOCH OF UNLIGHT and others, but they were hidden into underground (maybe as a consequence of the prevalence of Death Metal scene on USA on those days). And one feature: US Black Metal acts prefer to stay as traditional as they can, as can be heard on “Malevolent Lycanthrophic Heresy”, of LURING.

Classic Black Metal of the Second Wave can be a fine way to depict what the music of the trio expresses: moldy, morbid, atmospheric and darkened, and still using the same ‘lo-fi’ appeal of the past, and massive and oppressive keyboards parts to enhance the darkened and funereal appeal of the band’s music. Again: North American Black Metal School has such feature, but it doesn’t mean that the band is trying to copy anyone. They show personality in such way, with energy and a clear sinister appeal. “Malevolent Lycanthrophic Heresy” was recorded and mixed by Lord Azathoth (the band’s guitarist/keyboard player), with mastering by Dark Arts Prod Studios. All the efforts were done to keep things as ‘lo-fi’ and organic as possible, in the ways that Black Metal was presented during the first half of the 90s. It fits on the band’s music, and maybe it wouldn’t work as it could if were done in a clearer way.

“Ravaged by the Teeth of God”, “Chalice of Splintered Dreams”, “Born with the Devil’s Marking”, “Black Death Elixir”, “The Odious Gaze of Chronos”, “We Come from the Shadows at His Command”, “Dying Wolf Beneath the Stars”, and “Burial Opus” are fine pieces of Atmospheric Black Metal in the vein of the Second Wave and depicts the DNA of North American Black Metal School. And it is just what the older fans of the genre are looking for.

LURING has some features on its music to sharpen a bit more, but “Malevolent Lycanthrophic Heresy” shows that they’re on the right path.