Hidden in the deepest and darkest shadows of the United Kingdom, the Heavy Metal demons Belial are releasing their début album Nihil Est (Siege Music), meaning “there is nothing” in Latin. Not only is this their début album but it is also their first international album since forming in 2014. Nihil Est is a melodic Deathcore, knock-your-teeth-out feast, with new original tracks, instrumental bonus tracks and their self-titled, self-released EP from 2014.

The first track on of the album ‘In Extremis’ opens with an almost paranormal melody that transports you into the darkest regions of your soul, then explodes with power, aggression and intensity. What follows is track after track of dark and twisted HEAVY metal, until you reach the last track ‘Parasite’, which is personally my favorite on the album.

The track starts off with a deep growl that would make the great Dani Filth proud and fast and in your face double bass drumming, while Jamie Harrison delivers smart, strong, and evil lyrics. It has a great chorus that hooks you by the first sentence: “I am the nightmare and you are the curse!” This track has it all; amazing break downs, fast blast beats, double bass, pacy, technical guitar work, and deep bass riffs that combines to give me goosebumps.

While at times, this touches on being too melodic for those with a deathly taste, and the pace can be too slow, too often, especially considering the impact of the raging moments, it is still recommend it to all the Whitechapel, Morbid Angel fans out there.

6.5/10

TIM STEBBINS