Draconis Infernum - Death In My Veins

If you ask me, Asia will most likely be where the next wave of truly great black metal bands will emerge from. China has a very strong underground scene with bands like Ritual Day, Yngizarm and Zuriaake, Indonesia has a couple of interesting bands, and here is Singapore's own Draconis Infernum. Formed in 2005 as Nihilistic Hate, "Death In My Veins" is their first release.

There are only five tracks, most of them between five and six minutes long. One could argue that it is a bit short for a full length release, but bear in mind that Slayer's "Reign In Blood" clocks in at 28 minutes in total. Quality is always better than quantity, so what about Draconis Infernum - do they deliver quality?

The answer can only be a resounding: hell yes they do! This is five tracks of pure old school melodic black metal (melodic as in there are actual riffs, not just Von-like three-chord songs) delivered with a production worthy any new black metal release. The guitars - arguably the most important part of any black metal song - are as crisp in the mix as you could ever wish for them to be. The producer obviously knew how to use EQ, because the guitars do not sound thin at all, but full and thick, with plenty of bottom end and a nice, thick distortion. There's also a guitar solo or two, which isn't very common in black metal.

The bass adds some welcome extra weight and the drums are magnificent. The kick is precise and crisp, yet has a nice low tone that really makes it feel human and not like a drum machine; the snare doesn't drown, and the best thing of all - the drums don't even sound triggered, not even when blasting at full speed.

The vocals are harsh and brutal, but at the same time perfectly intelligible - think Gaahl's vocals in Gorgoroth and you know what I mean. The lyrics are well written and the English pronounciation is excellent.

The music too sounds a bit like Gorgoroth; listening to the album I was reminded of songs like "Of Ice And Movement" or "Procreating Satan" from "Twilight of the Idols (In Conspiracy With Satan)", but also sometimes of early Enthroned, and there is a little Dark Funeral in there somewhere as well; their songs are melodic yet brutal. The songs are filled with melodic and atmospheric riffs that rival any release this year, as well as several tempo changes. These guys are skilled musicians, there's no doubt about it.

If there is any justice in this world Draconis Infernum will get a chance to spread the word of Satan all over the world, because they really are that good. This release is worth a strong 9/10, without doubt. This is one of the very best black metal releases of 2008, and I can't wait to see what the next album will sound like.

Band link: http://www.myspace.com/draconisinfernum