ALBUM REVIEW: Cult Of Blood – Black Capricorn
In the mysterious isle of Sardinia are the scattered remains of an ancient civilisation that has left its mark on a vast, untamed wilderness as their stone fortresses dot the mountainous skyline. Traces of the mysterious Phoenician and Punic peoples from the Bronze Age can be seen everywhere, and their nuraghes are distinct symbol of Sardinia alongside its many tombs and Giants’ gave. Sardinia is enigmatic and unique, and BLACK CAPRICORN embody that with their music which is dedicated to the temple of fuzz. After initially disbanding in 2019, the band have been lured back by the magic of their music and have thus began to initiate fans old and new into the Cult Of Blood. Following in the primitive grooves and hell shaking fuzz of ELECTRIC WIZARD and SAINT VITUS, Cult Of Blood’s ritualistic nature will transport you into the dark depths of Sardinia.
BLACK CAPRICORN use the sibylline nature of the Sardinia to maximum potential throughout Cult Of Blood. A mystical and cryptic metaphysical energy transcends the album, utilising its deep hypnotic fuzz to beguile and bewilder. It is clear for all to see and hear that the macabre and grim is where BLACK CAPRICORN feel the most comfortable, as grotesque drums rain down upon your skull and the chant-like vocals are obscured by the fuzzing. Yet in the five years that have passed since the band’s last album Omega there has been a shift within the Italian trio’s sound.
Whilst still retaining some of their epic doom riffs of yesteryear, the band have gone down a more meditative and psychedelic path, as well as streamlining their sound to be more cohesive. Trimming down the acoustic intervals and strange droning atmospheres of their previous release, Cult Of Blood sounds fresh and more direct. Under the influence of a slower tempo, the sombre vocals alongside the hazy guitar and bass combination, this new formulation of riffs fires your imagination as the band sing their way through tales of witches, giants and snakes.
A noticeable aspect of Cult Of Blood is that it has a distinctly Mediterranean undertone – the prime example being album closer Uddadhaddar. Here, with the use of Mediterranean scales and Middle Eastern sounding percussion, BLACK CAPRICORN gradually build an intense atmosphere, accompanied by semi-discordant intermittent guitar leads. The song itself refers to the Romanisation of Sardinia, whilst it was not in conquest but merely to demand tribute and spread Roman customs, yet it took a while for these customs to reach more remote parts of the island. This element of the unknown adds intrigue to the song, and elaborates a little more on the dark mysticism that penetrates this album’s aura.
Secret Society Of Seven is an eerie and foreboding introduction to Cult Of Blood; as it demonstrates the band’s musical progression it is also exciting to hear the wonders of a more up to date production on their sound. Whilst still heavily fuzz-focused there is so much more space throughout the album, moving away from the claustrophobic feel of Omega. Worshipping The Bizarre Reverend (which sounds like a homage to the Finnish band REVEREND BIZARRE) sees the band unleash an old school stoner groove and wailing lead guitar, offering up a suitable sacrificial feast for the temple of fuzz to gorge on.
Giants Of Prama is a hulking monolith of fizzing traditional doom atmosphere that transports you to the heart of the Giants’ gave. Dark and brooding, it could wake those ancient beings from their slumber. Godsnake Djamballah serves as a shadowy and trippy interlude before the album progresses into the black sorcery of the second half of the album. Snake Of The Wizard is a song that wriggles and writhes like a snake, ascending and descending melodies and chords make you feel like you’re on the back of a cobra. The nine-minute epic Witch Of Endor doubles down on the latter half of the album’s psychedelic vibe, bringing heavy drums and floating guitar melodies to create a sinister soundtrack.
There is definitely some Sardinian magic and mystery as play throughout BLACK CAPRICORN’s comeback album; entrancing and hypnotic, the Italian trio bring a refreshing dose of darkness to modern day traditional doom. Cult Of Blood is an album for the dying days of summer. A spooky and eerie record, you won’t be able to resist joining the cult for long.
Rating: 8/10
Cult Of Blood is set for release on July 15th via Majestic Mountain Records.
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