SERPENTS OATH is an unapologetic Black Metal trio hailing from the dark recesses of Belgium. On December 4, 2020 they released their debut full-length album, "Nihil," on Soul Seller Records. The twelve-track beast spans just over 36 minutes, including five atmospheric pieces which serve as intro, outro, and intermezzos (three in total).

Apart from the ambient tracks, the album is a relentless assault of darkness and nihilism. You know, all the good stuff that classic Black Metal is renowned for. As expected, the tracks are rife with tremolo riffs, blast beats, and demonic vocals. What might not be expected are the range of vocals that Tes Re Oth masters as well as the diverse arrangements the band crafts.

As with so much Extreme Metal, there is a sophistication of intellect and spirit which stalks the bleak, sonic hellstorm otherwise known as "Nihil." Thematically, the album follows a narrative which Tes Re Oth describes thusly: "The vision behind the band is one of transformation . . . The transformation is that of an individual striving to become transhuman with the ultimate goal of beating even Death. This is the ultimate rebellion as even Death is not accepted as a given."

My favorite tracks are "Malediction," "Into The Abyss," "The Beast Reborn," and "The Swords Of Night And Day." While some listeners may find the atmospheric pieces detracting from the visceral nature of the album, I found they added an unsettling and sinister layer to the chronicle. I should also mention the stunning cover art rendered by Néstor Avalos. If the name sounds familiar, you may know him from his cover art for DARK FUNERAL and BLOODBATH. The artwork depicts the war in heaven, but instead of the typical outcome, this version shows "Lucifer casting out the Arch Angel Michael and therefore establishing the ultimate victory of free will."

"Nihil" is a riveting onslaught of Black Metal artistry made doubly impressive by the fact that it is a debut effort. The story of SERPENTS OATH may be decided in their sophomore album, but for now they have staked out a large swath of unholy ground and they beckon you to join.