ALBUM REVIEW: All Descend – Terra Black

While Gothenburg rockers TERRA BLACK gear up for album number two, their recent signing to Bonebag Records has given them the chance to re-release their 2023 occult rock debut All Descend on the world, which had only received a digital release until now. This gloomy, atmospheric release largely fell under the radar on initial release, but with this reissue the Swedish outfit look to ensnare the hearts and minds of those with an ear for the sinister side of rock music.

While there have been a lot of “SABBATH worshipping” (not derogatory) bands in recent years, the crucial element in doing so is being able to stand out from the pack. This is thankfully intact on All Descend, which sees the band mixing the heavy riffs and menacing tones one would want from this type of music with some different elements and influences to avoid steering too closely to what has come before.

The album rolls into frame like a thick fog, starting with the discordant plucking that opens Asteroid. It becomes clear early on that TERRA BLACK know exactly what vibe they hope to set on All Descend. Though there are similarities, their sound is less psychedelic and sun-bleached than the likes of ORCHID, setting a wholly murkier and darker tone. Thematically, the band explore concepts surrounding “the Devil, demons, Wicca lore, and celestial destiny”, and their style supports this exploration perfectly.

Keeping the previous point of SABBATH worship in mind, Black Flames Of Funeral Fire is strictly SABBATH-esque, even coming complete with some tonally appropriate (and always menacing) church bell gongs for added effect. The extended intro feels reminiscent of the darker tracks from Paranoid and Master Of Reality, providing some effective scene setting before taking more of a left turn as the vocals float into place. Changing things up, the heavy guitar that kicks in shortly after the opening of Ashes And Dust feels starkly different, almost briefly hitting MASTODON or NEUROSIS levels before settling back down. The vocals never quite hit “wails” as such, but the higher notes of the chorus call out over the track like a desperate howl. The album itself is fairly strong, but Ashes And Dust is a particularly strong moment for TERRA BLACK.

TERRA BLACK make use of both female and male vocals throughout All Descend, with the former taking the front position for the majority of the release. Spawn Of Lyssa changes things up quite a bit by harmonizing the frontwoman’s vocals with the deeper backing vocals, all the while throwing in stomping bass riffs and drum fills to keep heads banging. Slumber Grove is a similarly stompy affair, with the vocals hanging eerily over the pounding guitar and drums.

TERRA BLACK pin down the heavily occult vibe they’re aiming for brilliantly on All Descend, cloaking themselves ominously behind slow tempo rhythms and heavy bass that would slot neatly into the catalogue of any stoner/doom metal fan. What gives TERRA BLACK their edge is the raw and haunting quality of the vocals, which provide some eerie melodies over a brilliantly underproduced record that only adds to the mystique and flavour of their music.

Rating: 7/10

All Descend is set for release on July 26th via Bonebag Records.

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