NECROFIER is a Black Metal band from Houston, Texas. "Prophecies of Eternal Darkness" is the group's debut album, released by Season of Mist on October 22, 2021.

While this band is self-described as "Melodic Black Metal," their production and riffing style lean more towards Raw Black Metal with elements of Thrash poking through as well. Melodic Black Metal bands like DIMMU BORGIR and CRADLE OF FILTH tend to favor a higher production value than Raw Black Metal bands like MAYHEM and DARKTHRONE. In this case, NECROFIER favor the latter. Additionally, while certain songs on the album favor melodic elements and have a clear chord progression ("Madness Descends") others are more riff-based, with these tracks tending to have more Thrashy elements than others ("The Black Flame Burns").

The band is certainly deserving praise for their tight musicianship and excellent songwriting. Bakka Larson's vocal timbre reminds me quite a bit of that of L. Ben Falgoust on the early GOATWHORE records - positively bone-chilling. Josh Bokemeyer's riffs combine the best elements of bands like DARK ANGEL, SATYRICON, and even early ARCTURUS. From bar number one of this album, Dobber Beverly was able to prove that he could easily keep up with the speed of a Black Metal band as fast as this one, with his furious blast beats and ferocious double kick patterns. It's just a shame that Mat Aleman's basslines are not featured more prominently. The bass is so quiet that at times, it feels like I'm listening to METALLICA's "...And Justice For All."

Other highlights from this album include "Return to Chaos," whose main riff features just the right amount of both melody and brutality; "Betrayal of the Queen," which conjured in my mind the image of a demon looking through a crystal ball at scenes of the Armageddon while he smiles evilly at the destruction he has wrought; and "Darker than the Night," one of the Thrashier numbers on this record.

Overall, this is a very enjoyable debut album! NECROFIER prove that they have managed to fit themselves perfectly within Season of Mist's artist roster and will undoubtedly release more great music in the years to come. My one suggestion: turn the bass up!