Band: HRIZG
Country: Spain
Title: Soterion
Label: Moribund Records
Year: 2018
Style: Black Death Metal

Review:
Following the most pompous American tradition, Moribund announce the "Triumphant return of the #1 Spanish Black / Death Metal Band" which to me (and I'm sure not only me) sounds a bit far-fetched to say the least, but I know htis American way of presenting everything bigger that it is so no harm, no foul. To be honest I haven't heard of this band before receiving Soterion for reviewing purpose, this although they've been around since 2005 and this one being their fourth studio album, their second on Moribund, but I've heard of and listened to a few other bands the members of Hrizg are or were members like Briargh, Eldereon, Undernoise or Fatal Portrait. Anyway, this new album of theirs is made of 11 tracks and after the second audition I can say I thoroughly enjoy it from start to finish; we're treated with a traditional Black Metal (second wave, Norwegian style) with plenty of rhythm changes, complex compositions and clever song-writing bringing forth an aggressive, dark, atmospheric Black Metal while at the same time enriching it with influences from Death Metal or Pagan Metal. The subtle addition of keyboard here and there only serves as an extra dark shade to the atmosphere these guys already manage to create with "usual" instruments. The drumming is fantastic, pounding and extremely intense, the bass lines are subtle but heavy and supportive, the guitar riffs and leads are a combination of the most exquisite Black Metal sharp parts with heavy and brutal Death Metal inserts. Can you tell already how impressed I am by this material? Oh well, if not, I'll also mention the fantastic, visceral and versatile vocal performance of Erun-Dagoth, the main man behind this band that actually managed to convince me they are, if not the #1 Black Death Metal band in Spain, certainly in the top of this classification; I give this album a 9 out of 10 only because it is not innovative in any way, but in terms of traditional Black Death Metal this is a flawless material, a 10 out of 10 without thinking. Try it out, but make sure you give it at least a full spin until making your mind on it.
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 9/10

Contact:
facebook.com/HrizgOfficial
moribundrecords.bandcamp.com