🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: Misticism
Track 2: Desolate Chasm
Track 3: Slimeblade
Track 4: Nocturnal Suffering
Track 5: Demented Procession
Track 6: Fog Sermon
Track 7: Carnal Pain
Track 8: Sentient Chamber
Track 9: But Merely Flesh
🎸 Album Review:
**Album Review: ‘But Merely Flesh’ by Ritual Fog**
Ritual Fog, the enigmatic black metal outfit hailing from the depths of the underground music scene, has returned with their highly anticipated third studio album, ‘But Merely Flesh’. This nine-track opus delves deep into the darkest recesses of the human psyche, exploring themes of mysticism, suffering, and existential dread with unrelenting intensity.
From the opening track “Misticism,” Ritual Fog immediately sets the tone for the album with a haunting blend of atmospheric synths and blistering guitar riffs. The production on ‘But Merely Flesh’ is raw and unpolished, perfectly capturing the band’s raw energy and primal sound. Each track flows seamlessly into the next, creating a cohesive sonic journey that keeps the listener captivated from start to finish.
One of the standout tracks on the album is “Desolate Chasm,” a relentless onslaught of blast beats and tremolo-picked guitars that evoke a sense of impending doom. The tortured vocals of frontman Erebos add an extra layer of intensity to the track, drawing the listener further into Ritual Fog’s twisted world of despair and anguish.
Another standout track is “Demented Procession,” which showcases the band’s dynamic songwriting abilities. The track begins with a slow, brooding intro before erupting into a frenzy of blackened fury. The juxtaposition of melodic guitar lines and dissonant chords creates a sense of unease that lingers long after the song has ended.
In comparison to Ritual Fog’s previous albums, ‘But Merely Flesh’ represents a significant evolution in the band’s sound. While their earlier works were characterized by a more lo-fi and primitive approach, this latest offering sees the band embracing a more polished production style while still retaining their signature rawness and aggression. The songwriting on ‘But Merely Flesh’ is more nuanced and sophisticated, with each track offering a multi-dimensional listening experience that reveals new layers upon each listen.
The overall impact of ‘But Merely Flesh’ is nothing short of staggering. Ritual Fog has crafted a masterpiece of modern black metal that pushes the boundaries of the genre while staying true to its roots. The album is a relentless assault on the senses, a sonic journey through the darkest corners of the human psyche that leaves a lasting impression on the listener.
Closing track “But Merely Flesh” serves as a fitting conclusion to the album, bringing together all the thematic and sonic elements that have been explored throughout the preceding tracks. The haunting melody and chilling atmosphere of the song linger long after the final notes have faded, leaving the listener with a sense of profound unease and introspection.
In conclusion, ‘But Merely Flesh’ is a bold and uncompromising statement from Ritual Fog, solidifying their position as one of the most innovative and captivating bands in the black metal scene today. With this album, Ritual Fog has proven once again that they are masters of their craft, pushing the boundaries of the genre and creating music that is as challenging as it is rewarding. ‘But Merely Flesh’ is a must-listen for any fan of extreme metal, a dark and twisted masterpiece that demands to be heard.
**Rating: 9/10**