With the existence of bands like Beherit, Impaled Nazarene, and Archgoat emerging as the quintessential pioneers of the Finnish Black Metal scene back in the nineties, fair to say that throughout the years, Finland has left a long-lasting, profound legacy when it comes to presenting a harsh sonic journey of Black Metal, or most of Extreme Metal subgenres in general; even including the more contemporary names surrounding, such as Sargeist and Havukruunu. 

This time, the release I’m reviewing is coming from one of Finland’s longest-running Black Metal bands that has been around since the early nineties, with consistent branding of occultism-related themes and bass-heavy type of sounds combining Black Metal with Doom Metal – none other than the ever-legendary Barathrum. 

They have been creating ferocious sounds since 1991, almost comparable to early Black Metal acts such as Venom and Celtic Frost.

Released via the Helsinki-based label Hammer Of Hate who also has previously released LPs by Sielunvihollinen, Horna, and Behexen, Barathrum is back with their highly anticipated tenth full-length Überkill. 

Coincidentally, guitarist Ruttokieli also happens to be of Sielunvihollinen fame. With telltale and conceptual narrations that are well-crafted, the heavily bass-driven collective presents a soul-crushing series of blasphemous chaos, blending a myriad of Metal styles altogether ranging from Thrash to Black to Doom. 

And even though prominently centered around Extreme Metal subgenres as its integral part, the album also has tracks that are Punk-inspired as well, such as “Black Magick Rites” – only that obviously Barathrum adds some diabolical touch to the Punk undertones. 

Apart from the scorching riffs, the highlight of this release also happens to be how bassist Nuklear Tormentörr features the hammering technique throughout the album. 

The Finnish underground scene is always ever-dynamic and enthralling to discover and to delve deeply into; ever since I discovered Svart Records rosters and the likes, life hasn’t been the same, in a good way. 

There have always been distinctive characteristics that pierce right through your soul (and ears) whenever you listen to Finnish Black Metal – and in this case, I’m glad I got to discover Barathrum too. Überkill consists of anthemic surging sounds with pitch-black solemn compositions that are guaranteed to bring you to the pit of infernal hellscapes with all those Doom-driven basslines. 

Buy the album here:
https://kvlt.fi/

8 / 10
RALKA SKJERSETH
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