Barshasketh - Antinomian Asceticism (2025)

Delivering a swift and brutal start of 2025, today we have Barshasketh and their incisive Black Metal, unleashing all hell with the brutal “Antinomian Asceticism”, the band’s fifth full-length release. With a very punishing and yet highly refined sound, this outfit masterfully creates a ravaging experience through 43 minutes of music. Highly recommended for fans of outfits like The Ruins of Beverast or Blut aus Nord, this release is full of both musicianship and raw savagery.

Opening with the immersive “Radiant Aperture”, the outfit sets a very hectic and punishing mood with walls of distorted guitars and a solid mixture of harsh and clean vocals, creating a very eerie mood. As “Nitimur in Vetitum”, “Lebenswelt Below”, and “Charnel Quietism” roll around, the band showcases a great balance between atmosphere and speed, with some interesting mood building passages nicely blended with savage guitar riffing and even some doomy tempos. This makes the band’s sound more incisive and pummeling, and separates them from your average outfit.

The release takes a darker and more sinister turn as “Phaneron Engulf” and “Antinomian Asceticism” feature a slower tempo and a doomier vibe alongside some crafty ritualistic vocals. The band’s ability to showcase versatility and restraint among all the blistering aggression is quite refreshing, and puts them in control of their own take on the genre. However, they never slow down or relent, as the release closes with the magical “Exultation of Ceaseless Defiance” and its blend of mystery and melancholy.

Overall, “Antinomian Asceticism” is one of those releases that is different and refreshing in a genre that is full of fluff and copy cats. Barshasketh perfectly blends atmosphere with execution and speed, creating a very engaging multi-faceted beast that takes more than a few spins to really digest and enjoy. If you are a fan of the more dynamic side of Black Metal, check out these guys and their engaging style.

Label: World Terror Committee

Release: January 9th, 2025

Genre: Black Metal

Country: New Zealand/UK