Flagellant — Monuments

Swedens Flagellant (not to be confused with the other Flagellant from Germany) began back in 2007 releasing one demo.  2010 found them releasing their debut Monuments.  The threesome (composed of members J, S, and E) are quite capable musicians and composers; creating a black metal sound that while familiar, is at the very least excellently played.

What we are given to listen to is well crafted (lyrically and musically).  While there are moments of chaotic and thunderous double bass, there is also a sense of pace and timing.  For every balls out minute, there’s another with intricate tremolo work or slower paced but still heavy tempos.  Songs like “The Black Void Unfolds”, “The Unseeing Eye” and “Into The Maws of Death” are all excellent examples of this each showcasing Flagellants ability.  Lyrically it leans more toward a Watain influence.  The lyrics are of course Satanic and blasphemous but in a more esoteric style.  Vocals are well done too, sounding like a combination of Quorthon of Bathory and Eric from Watain.  Combine it all together and it makes for an atmospheric and intense listening experience.

But is that enough?  Flagellant could be very easily lost in the shuffle of black metal bands that play extremely well, yet never seem to hit a nerve with listeners.  This is only a debut and more music is on the way.  It will be interesting to see how the sometimes fickle black metal community will embrace the band