Gorgoroth – Instinctus Bestialis (2015)

Six years have passed since the monumental “Quantos Possunt ad Satanitatem Trahunt”, a new episode in the history of Gorgoroth that does not include disgraced previous members Gaahl and King ov Hell. The band returns with a new vocalist and a thirst for blood and crushing Black Metal brutality. Featuring eight songs of dense and diverse music, the band quickly establishes an oppressive and bestial sound that only a handful of elite acts can deliver.

Kicking off with the monumental “Radix Malorum”, we are treated to outstanding devilish riffs courtesy of Infernus. With such a vicious foundation Atterigner (of Triumfall fame) lays his commanding vocals, creating a demolishing and painful sound that will delight any fan of the genre. “Dionysian Rite” continues the massacre with another quick onslaught of pummeling drums and blistering bass guitar lines. It is not until “Ad Omnipotens Aeterne Diabolus” that the band continues their musical approach from their previous album with riffs that are just oppressive to hear when paired with melodic passages that further elevate the music.

After blasting through “Come Night”, one of our favorites creeps in under the name of “Burn in His Light”, very playful and enjoyable track with cool guitar leads and a commanding vocal performance by the newcomer to the band. The band’s sound is as compact as ever and “Rage” and “Kala Brahman” are the perfect examples of a well-oiled machine with Tomas Asklund, Frank Watkins, Atterigner and Infernus all firing on all cylinders.

Closing this release with the “Awakening”, the band nicely puts another solid chapter to their story with another commanding piece. Overall, “Instinctus Bestialis” is one hell of a powerful release that further cements Gorgoroth’s legacy in the scene. If you like punishing and oppressive Black Metal, look no further and pick up a copy of this killer release.

Label: Soulseller Records

Release: June 8th, 2015

Genre: Black Metal

Country: Norway