This album is one of those rare ones that I've received that weren't complete mysteries to me. To be more specific, I've heard of the record entitled "Appalling Ascension" by this incredibly dark and haunting Black and Death Metal band called THE OMINOUS CIRCLE. A 2017 Osmose Productions release, this album proves the point that although Black Metal nowadays is incredibly experimental and twisted out of its original form into brand new and never before heard manifestations, it is still an album that doesn't play around a lot, but is just completely on point with its sharp 51 minute runtime.

An 8 track album, this is a record that not only Black Metal fans or Death Metal fans will enjoy, but people that are generally into music that is both dark and haunting in many mysterious ways; and not only when it comes to the art or the member's identities, but the overall musical atmosphere, the lyrical themes and everything that occurs around this band.

Basically, THE OMINOUS CIRCLE is a Portugal-based band that will most definitely freeze your blood forever. Let's not waste any more time and just dive deep into the record's atmosphere - of which the record is not lacking. "Heart Girt with a Serpent" is the debut track, and I am already sensing its creepy atmosphere; along with the vocals that are deeper than any voice you would hear in hell. The incredibly, crystal clean vocals are deep and dark. They are mostly growl-based in the very beginning and are quite dominant without any instruments in the background but the drums that sound a bit tribal and really deep and slow. The general vocals are followed by echoing and painful screams in the background. There is already something to look forward to, and although this band has been active since 2014, this is their very first material...so let's not miss it. I liked this track, but I was still craving for some instruments.

The second track did a real a favour for me; and oh my, what a track this is. On "From Endless Chasms", unlike the first one, the vocals aren't that dominant, and you can hear some riffs in the beginning that approach slowly until they completely dominate. The drums are loud enough and the vocals finally sing, and not just shout without meaning; I still forgive the first track since it was an intro, so it's understandable. Wow though, the second track was incredibly on point when it comes to describing the sound of the band. Raging vocals that remind you a lot of INCANTATION, DEAD CONGREGATION, riffs that remind you a bit of IRKALLIAN ORACLE and INFERNO, and drums that are tight just like the ones that bands IMMOLATION and NECROS CHRISTOS.

Apart from the band being one of those nasty and brutal Death/Black Metal threats, I still like the fact that they aren't too focused on a raw sound. Unlike many, they are really atmospheric, and their sound is so enjoyable that it's almost out of this world. If you liked the words, definitely give the band a try. Here are some more tracks that you should absolutely blast if you're a fan of the previously mentioned bands that sound like these guys: make sure to check out the third track "Poison Fumes", the fourth, "Ateh Gibor Le-olam Adonai" and the seventh "As the Worm Descends". Enjoy the pure darkness!