Darkness calls once again as VRYKOLAKAS returns to prowl our sonic realms, and after crossing the dreaded and ruinous planes of The Necromantic Revocation, these Singaporean deathlords have resumed their path aimed to emulate the more ominous of pioneering death metal spirits. The next chapter has marked 2024 with a fifth full-length mass of ungodliness titled Nocturnal Dominion of Death, which further hones the brutality along with other forces of ravaging madness, and the abominations channeled through its formulas herald a new era that fiercely exalts the nightside.
Vile auras rise from beneath the underworld with a favorably impure production, which amplifies the monstrous vocal and instrumental tones reverberating throughout, and this atmosphere extends to the raw and familiar murkiness cast by low-end tremolos along with other brooding riff forms. Adept song crafting is apparent as these tremolo and chord shapes are interwoven with chaotic potency, and a multitude of structures unfolds within each track, demonstrating complications that drive a continuous intrigue around their material. Many sequences are tormentingly calculated to prolong the assault before shifting tactics, like when frenzied patterns on “Foretaste the Divine Wrath” drop into a heavy banging groove, and a dismal aura drips from the melodic layers of another section evolving from similar formulas. Different energies are channeled at points where melodies take lead, including a dark euphoria that soars next on “The Forbidden Hope for Death,” and these sections complement the rhythmic versatility and havoc to raise infernality supreme.
The traditional elements are sufficient by themselves for inducing atmospheric visions, with one example captured in the malign emanations lurking among slow and doomy territories, but certain passages are also pronounced in using synth and sampled features. This new and more expansive approach to VRYKOLAKAS’ deathly craft is experienced in the battle horns and clashing of steel as this collective enters its second half, and keys are later joined alongside heavy chords to achieve sinister concentrations on “Bilateral Venomous Assault.” Vocals are also aligned with the hellishness throughout, especially when gutturals escalate to vicious rasps on “Covenants Leading to Sa’ir,” and techniques involving monstrous layers and chants amplify the brutality and ritualize a nefarious spirit. Rhythms drive its forbidden essence, and the drumming often parallels the riffs while they course through bombarding and grooved areas. A meticulous undertaking is apparent in the many detailed fills and patterns striking within, and their interaction with these other elements on the final track punctuates a frenzied development of riffing and solos, which all close the rite decisively on a note of fervent horror.
Sonic hellscapes are mirrored by scriptures laden with impious and malevolent influences, which aim to lead the human herd through a myriad of unspeakable torments, and they begin when a devilish figure sets out “To deceive the one named Eve” on “Darkness Consumes the Soul.” Hopelessness and misery prevail during ventures even further back into origins, where primitive rites and barbarity are detailed around grave imagery, and these descend toward visions of a hellish underworld as religious ideals are steadfastly denied. The suffering here may last eternally, but “The Forbidden Hope for Death” also prolongs it on the earthly plane, with despair turning to contempt as many different aspects of demise are contemplated. Islamic themes are prominent among this mass, including the historic battle raging ahead on “Hind’s Vengeance at Uhud,” and it brings an epic quality to the carnage along with the mystique surrounding various figures and locations referenced throughout. Dark magic continues to intensify these auras, and “Covenants Leading to Sa’ir” effectively displays its wickedry in acts that “Vandalize your flesh with morbid symbols.” A horrific onslaught persists until malice is finally directed at the heavens, leading to a last violating and blasphemous charge that devastates the holy realm and leaves the album title fulfilled.
This monstrosity witnesses VRYKOLAKAS on a course toward the greater abyss, with darkened forms abounding from the wealth of riffs packed into each hymn, and the mesmerism raised when melodic points are joined among these masses easily prompts one to uphold blasphemy and sin. The allure from different atmospheric and sampled elements is another striking feature that conspires with the production and overall energy to find a new appeal in damnation, and their immersive nature offers a vitality that will hopefully be explored further in the future. It will be interesting to see how this compares to the band’s next work, which is apparently nearing completion at this time, but until that atrocity surfaces, Nocturnal Dominion of Death commands a formidable act of ruination that should be fervently partaken.
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