Har Shatan - Manum Inicere Alicui (2022)

Unleashing both sheer brutality and timeless nostalgia, today we have mysterious Black Metal outfit Har Shatan and their first full-length release in twelve years titled “Manum Inicere Alicui”. Featuring over 43 minutes of raw and punishing music, this release has that old school vibe that reminds us of early Immortal and Satyricon. Highly recommended for BM purists, this release will wind back the clock to the early days of the scene.

After a short intro, the release really kicks-off with the dissonance of “Aurora” and its piercing riffs and haunting vocal arrangements. This initial piece slowly warms up the listener for the raw onslaught brought forth by the crushing “Fulgens et Sole Clarior” guitar work alongside its creepy atmospherics. The band’s old-school sound is quite well crafted, while keeping things dynamic with songs like “Secret” and its heavier atmospheric elements.

Things get a bit funky with the odd “Loyalty Until Death”, a more experimental track with some unique synths and clean vocals. However, things return back to its frosty roots with the blistering “Blood of Creation”, a very typical BM track with crushing drums, hellish shrieks and a very hectic pace. Our favorite track to headbang in this release has to be the brilliant “Lichtträger Lucifers” and its incisive riffing alongside a slower and more decadent tempo.

Closing with an atmospheric outro piece, Har Shatan has managed to craft a very powerful, dynamic and yet old-school sounding release. We particularly enjoy releases that keep things traditional while seamlessly integrating and imprinting some personality into their sound, “Manum Inicere Alicui” is an album that has some nice elements to keep the listener engaged and surprised while being swift and brutal with its approach.

Label: The Sinister Flame

Release: December 31st, 2022

Genre: Black Metal

Country: Germany