The EP opens with ‘Abaddon’ – this track holds much pleasure with enjoyable stabs of metal that crucify you on listening and superbly rousing. The vocals are gruff and hit the ground running with equal amounts of instant force!
‘Arkanum’ – the bands title track is again forceful and lush. Its emotions are tumultuous and it doesn’t take much to get caught up in its flavoursome enterprise.
‘Detested Empress’ – the stuttering rhythms are precise and infectious with an abundance of energy! Its death metal traits are irresistible and the band have created a masterpiece with this track alone, as there is so much to witness with an array of creative riffs.
‘Night Hag’ – merges into a battle of explosive revelry, intense and pleasurable for the death metal ear. Holding quite a potent swagger as it colludes with a tempestuous melodic flavour.
‘Tomb of Sa’ir’ – probably the most diverse on the E.P well in fact it is with its creative opening of classical meanderings until it simply explodes into a feverish melee of forthright drum beats and harsh gargling that appears toxic and savagely spiced with some superb riffs.
Not hearing Cult of Lilith prior to now, I was bowled over by its steely presence and hidden in its gigantic rhythms are a blackness that cuts deep into the soul. The harshness of vocal is steeped in a harsh and unforgiving ubiquity that lavishes the ears with an abundance of virulent emotions.
The Icelandic bands certainly have things covered from all angles. They hold a certain sound that is familiar and work it to within an inch of its life. As I have said before for me death metal is all about the vocals, that tough growl sends chills running down my spine and leaves me wanting to hear more and more with each track.
The only negative thing I will have to say about this EP is that on the first 4 tracks things do sound very similar, although death metal is what it is and that is it brings out the harsh reality of music in its genre, although the final track brings a much welcome diversity and highlights the bands creative side to the full.
I am all for a bit of diversity and enjoy hearing different angles on music, like a well-oiled machine, things run smoother and adhere in the right places, so with a bit more diversity Cult of Lilith could become something big!
