Building upon the symphonic Black Metal stylings of their masterful 2022 debut "The Ashen Abhorrence", enigmatic Finnish duo PESTILENT HEX return with second opus, "Sorceries of Sanguine & Shadow", to herald a new era of malevolent grandeur and melodic aggression.
The work of multi-instrumentalist L. Oathe (DESOLATE SHRINE, CONVOCATION, ORDINANCE) and vocalist/lyricist M. Malignant (CORPSESSED, TYRANNY, PROFETUS), "Sorceries of Sanguine & Shadow" is still primarily inspired by legendary '90s second wave Black Metal but diverges from the neoclassical and baroque undertones of the debut into more contemporary, complex and exquisitely labyrinthine realms.
Aided by powerful mastering work from Dave Otero (AKHLYS, CATTLE DECAPITATION), the album boasts a rich, immersive sonic palette and similarly enveloping songcraft - as the band set formidable vocal authority and enchanting guitar-work upon a bedrock of commanding rhythms and haunting synth.
Lyrically, "Sorceries of Sanguine & Shadow" delves deeper into the arcane and the ethereal. Myths, superstitions, dreams and witchcraft are woven into a tapestry of malefic prose to mirror the music's blackened heart, as PESTILENT HEX continue the mystical narrative of their debut and expand into uncharted territories.
