When it comes to the subgenre of black metal often enough a wide chasm exists, filled with bands mixing both death and speed metal however some venture into a more sinister role, such is the case with the band PACT. They incorporate strong occult themes, though not a black mass, a few bands hint in that direction, not many record the ceremony as did American psychedelic rock band Coven, the track ‘Satanic Mass’ on their 1969 album Witchcraft Destroys Minds & Reaps Souls. PACT presents the name of infernal conjuring and the artwork of their third creation, rather lame in design, compared to their first two offerings, especially concerning their debut ‘The Dragon Lineage of Satan’. But why mention any of this, simply because image sells, no bands that adhere to the black arts and black metal, use the most profane titles, and images to convey their messages to the listeners. This time after 4-years from the previous release they return with ‘Enigmata’ released on Moribund Records, this past April 2018.
This Pennsylvania, US band unleashes a barrage of solid riffs and hooks for the listeners, clearly fitting into the realm of occult and Satanic themes, and works well with their label, however the themes feel tiresome in the lyrics, a struggle to hold one’s attention. The opening track “Dark Templar” starts with hellish screams; unleashing a tempo that rarely pauses for a moment, before switching to the next track. As typically found on these albums the vocals combine growls of death metal with black metal screams of damnation and despair, warning listeners early on that this contains something not for the timid, sorry CoF fans.
Track Listing:
- Dark Templar (4:43)
- Son of Cush (3:06)
- Edict of Anu (4:06)
- Hag and the Sleeper (3:34)
- Cradle of Decay (4:35)
- Stalking From the Shadows (4:10)
- Call of the Wild (3:16)
- Collider (4:36)
- Eternal Keeper of the Black Flame (3:10)
- Sorrows Embrace (6:28)
- Enigmata of Erebus (7:31)
Run Time: 50:00
Band Members:
Thoth Atlantean – vocals
TJ Prazer – drums
Wretch – guitars
The overall conceptual design speed freak guitars amid frenzied assault on the senses, refrain from whipping your neck to this (i.e. old school head-banging), or you’ll be in an expensive emergency room.
Baron’s Rating: 3/5
Get a taste of the release with the song ‘Dark Templar’.
https://moribundrecords.bandcamp.com/album/enigmata
Band Links:
https://www.facebook.com/Pact-222722964605519/
Label Links:
https://moribundrecords.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MoribundRecordsOfficial