Band: DARKEST MIND
Country: Belgium
Title: Oracle of Death
Label: Immortal Frost Productions
Year: 2021
Style: Melodic Black Metal 

Review:
I was about to write Sweden as country of origin for this band even though they are Belgium based, but there's a grain of truth behind this: the music they play is 100% Swedish Melodic Black Metal a la second part of the '90's, reminding of bands like Dissection, Lord Belial or Satariel, bands I used to consume a ton back in the days, so this is perfectly up my alley, take is as subjective. 7 tracks lasting for 45 minutes delivering a killer dose of mid-tempo to fast blastbeat-driven Black Metal with fantastic guitar harmonies, expressive hellish twin guitar riffing, majestic leads, epic atmosphere, and hateful vocals, but the best part in my opinion is the band's ability to balance between memorable melodies and some insanely ferocious passages (the drumming is top of the game!) that feel so oppressive you won't believe your ears. I admit I would have liked a bit more variety in the vocal compartment, something to stand out and become actual song hooks, and a better cover artwork (not sure if better is the correct word, but compared to Luciana's other works this is nowhere near her best from the point of view of a fan, not a specialist) but for me that's the most I have to complain about it, the rest I love to bits and will definitely spin again and again in the near future. One glorious debut album that brings forth an up and coming monster of the scene, highly recommended!
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 9/10

Contact:
facebook.com/darkestmindband
immortalfrostproductions.com