Metal maniacs, rejoice! The Thrasher returns to present to you: SULPHUR; signed via Dark Essence Records, hailing from Norwegian grounds – performing Black/Death Metal, on their 3^rd album entitled: "Omens Of Doom".

Since formation in 1999, the quintet in question, have 3 albums behind them; I'm acquainted with their 3^rd: "Omens Of Doom" (released on February 1^st 2016). SULPHUR is notoriously infamous in the Black Metal realm; fusing the brutal nature of Death Metal intertwined is a blindingly joint combination. My mind continues to open up to Black Metal and with this here listen; I've been enjoying a raw slab of solid brutality. With a hint of a Death Metal atmosphere in the sound production; this most certainly helps a veteran Death Metal fan such as myself enjoy the anguishing intentions of Black Metal tenfold. One may feel that the instrumentation to be formulaic; however, that doesn't distinguish the fact that the quartet are still pleasantly repugnant; nauseating, and offensive to the average listener. Veterans should have no problems diving in to this unsettling; engulfing band and album of exquisite proportions.

Consisting of Thomas Skinlo Høyven on vocals, showcases a typically embedded Black Metal voice, while here and there, growling a Death Metal incentive for a complex atmospheric intention.  Øyvind Madsen on guitars and keyboards, profoundly executes similar roles similarly found with Martin Lynn, also on guitars, compile consistent melodic riffs, where together, they formulate an exquisite musical contribution, and elements at adapt dexterity in mind. And with the pummeling powerhouse of Erik Heggernes on drums and Vegard Hovland on bass contribute an astounding display of musicianship in their instrumental capabilities. Everyone sounded elegant and stellar to the sub-genres in place; efficiently and easily decipherable for a devouring, pleasant crunch to performances that doesn't overpower the production. 7 tracks ranging at around 46:45 delivers stunning showmanship; yet not much diversity...

"Force To Our Fall", "Gathering Storms" & "Devils Pyre" begin; showcasing distinct characteristics where the atmosphere ranges from pianistic, before submitting to rasp-fronted aggression. Some distorted counter-measures drive the song with boisterous clean choirs, adapts to more melodic mid-sections. Brilliant solos comprise with a harmonic atmosphere balances everything with an intensely raw listen. "Plague And Pestilence", "Omens Of Doom" & "Rise Of The Mushroom Clouds" eventually unleash the album's dark emotions; which are uniquely and concisely powerful to the main sub-genres at hand. Consistently pushing boundaries; this short but sweet record delivers repeated listens, and an abundant amount of atmospheric riffery. "Alt Svartner" concludes the disc and overall - a fine piece of Black Metal art that will bring in SULPHUR vets diligently...as well as bring in newcomers to boot.<