Here we have a fine Black Metal band OSCULUM INFAME, probably one of the best Black Metal albums I've had the pleasure to review. I often think "Depressive" Black Metal and normal Black Metal are part of the same genre but that's not the case if you listen closely. OSCULUM INFAME are the embodiment of true Black and a slight stench of Death Metal, (but not really) "The Axis Of Blood" had me rattling my head every time I jammed the album. Hailing from France, Paris, OSCULUM INFAME deliver the finest and richest sound in Black Metal history and they knew how to sound like the greats - TSJUDER, NAGLFAR, DARKTHRONE etc. Lyrically and musically, the sound theme is Satanism, nothing but anguish and hate will make you feel like an enraged powerhouse whilst headbanging to this classic.

The band formed in 1991 as EURYNOME until 1993 and after that they only had a few Demos until the first full­-length "Dor­nu­Fauglith" they seemed to have a very late hiatus until reforming in the year 2008 with again a few EPs, a Compilation album and this full­-length, "The Axis Of Blood" it's great to see their return because if not, I wouldn't have been able to review such a great classic. Beginning with an apocalyptic intro "Apokalup VI" the album begins with "Cognitive Perdition Of Insane" which charges into that familiar Black Metal slowness which gets the listener pumped up for the carnage yet to come. Most tracks are typically long for Black Metal, longest are around 8 minutes long but the album contributes a fairly lengthy classic. Very groovy elements with "Cognitive Perdition Of Insane" at the end, which accumulates an atmospheric touch.

Moving onto "Kaoist Serpentis" the carnage insanity begins, expect your head to rattle and your fists to pound with this one. The vocals get stronger too, some high vocals which is pretty fancy for a Black Metal band I have to say. I haven't found myself yet bored, instead enraged to have a bit of a Thrash about. The ending of "Kaoist Serpentis" gets more evil which is fitting of course, but keeps the instrumental value extremely high.

"My Angel" kicks in, which slows things down a little but keep the trademark brutality and epic and groove. I believe there's something for every Metal fan in this album, I'm left with my signature face of brutality approval. somewhat feel this album goes by too quickly despite it having a lengthy attribute, but I guess the quicker the album feels, the better it is, right? And that bullet shot at the end of "My Angel" sums "angels" up well in this world. "Absolve Me Not" is a slow jam and a short intake, so not much to say about this one, but it's a nice break from the last few lengthy tracks. (kind of puts the usual 3­4 minute tracks to shame) "Let There Be Darkness" begins keeping the slowness, groove, and deadly atmosphere in check.

My favorite would have to be "Inner Falling Of The Glory Of God" which for me, every time I across this track would leave me recognizing it instantly because of its musical greatness, keeping the Black Metal tone and chant, this had the most substance for me, it's a rage against the machine and I feel the band put their hearts and souls to Satan for the creation of this song, if not the entire album! I should also give "White Void" an honorable mention, for implementing violin work into the mix, it really suits Black Metal and makes for a fine melody and atmosphere. Truly a work of art. "Asphyxiated Light" should also get the mention, the guitar work is another form of the fine melody, it's just so great to hear melody and a thrashing form take you over, showing Black Metal is alive and well and isn't stopping anytime soon. It's good to note that the vocalist, bassist and guitar work is all done by "Deviant Von Blakk" For the conclusion, the rest of the album is pretty much mostly identical to each other, but it's all still a rich Black Metal experience for us fans of the genre and even normal Heavy Metal fans should enjoy this classic. "The Axis Of Blood" really holds up for the Black Metal genre and shouldn't be overlooked by the fans of the genre, if you come across this classic, do yourself and the industry a favor, and buy it! You won't regret it, it's only limited to 500 copies after all.

MASTERPIECE.<