Profanatica - The Curling Flame of Blasphemy
2016 / Bestial black metal
1. Ordained in Bile
2. March to Golgotha
3. Magic & Muhr
4. Black Hymna
5. Host over Cup
6. Rotten Scriptures
7. Yahweh Rejected
8. Bleed Heavenly Kingdom
9. Vile Blessing
10. Curling Flame
btcarey: Profanatica is a seasoned black metal band with an impressive career that spans more than two decades. The band cannot only boast a worldwide kvlt following but also has a solid discography that’s helped establish bestial black metal as we know it. Profanatica has my utmost respect, but I couldn’t help feeling disappointed after hearing their most recent release, “The Curling Flame of Blasphemy”.
I understand the band has a minimalist perspective but the album was lacking. It felt like Profanatica was just “going through the steps” when writing the record rather than actually creating something. Sure, there are some solid riffs and the songs aren’t bad, I just expected more from such a notorious band. I probably listened to their previous record, “Thy Kingdom Cum” ten times but it was a struggle to get through “The Curling Flame of Blasphemy” even twice.
To any fans of bestial black metal or Profanatica, of course check out their new album. But to prospective listeners start with Profanatica’s earlier stuff to get a feel for the band, because this album is not their finest moment.
Favorite Song: “Ordained In Bile”
tp5170: Despite being a longtime fan of bestial black metal, I still haven’t found the time to check out Profanatica more thoroughly, even though I have known for quite a while that those guys seem to know what they are doing. I can’t really say how their albums usually are, because I haven’t digged that deep yet, but I sure hope there has been more variation on the band’s previous releases than on their new one. The biggest problem for me with the new album, ‘The Curling Flame of Blasphemy’, is that it can simply get a bit dull at times.
During my fist spin before realizing what the album was aiming to do I felt like killing someone just to get some changes in the tempo. The simplistic and repetitive nature of the music is an iconic trait of the genre and I usually enjoy it, but when it gets to the level where you don’t actually care about the track changing because they are all so very similar, it’s a bit strange, maybe even frustrating considering we are still talking about bestial black metal here.
But what you gain from this kind of style at the same time is a consistent atmosphere throughout the album. This is probably the only bestial BM album I have encountered that has devoted itself to this extent to creating an atmosphere. The setting is somewhat interesting and in this case it works reasonably well I guess, but only because the atmosphere is pretty entertaining and the album’s playtime is not especially long - but though I kind of liked the way the album played out, I have to point out that a cool atmosphere alone can carry an album only so far. I don’t think that ‘The Curling Flame of Blasphemy’ is a bad album, but on the other hand the genre has also much more memorable experiences to offer.
Orostider: We went to see Profanatica perform earlier this year and I kind of forgot to familiarize myself with them beforehand. This didn't really matter, because the performance Profanatica put up was a good one. Bestial black metal bands don't really disappoint with their live shows and most of the well known artists of the genre release magnificent albums. Will Profanatica succeed in delivering the same ferocious atmosphere and groove as they did live on their latest album 'The Curling Flame of Blasphemy?'
The album isn't exactly as high tempo and chaotic as Archgoat and Diocletian, but it also isn't as sludgy as Ride for Revenge. This, of course, can be counted as a pro, since distinguishable sound is always enjoyable in this genre. The album starter 'Ordained in Bile' is a powerful opener, but when the rest of the songs are similar mid-tempo bestial black metal with high echo vocals, the album gets a bit dull in the end.
At some point the track changes are quite difficult to notice and the album just keeps going. 'The Curling Flame of Blasphemy' isn't a bad album, but it somehow falls into the 'background music' category. Some of the riffs are clearly far above average, but the rest are ridiculously mediocre. The album's production receives a huge plus from me. This is how modern black metal albums should sound. The echo could be decreased, but all in all the production is wonderful.
'The Curling Flame of Blasphemy' won't be remembered as the classic of the genre, but it certainly isn't the worst of the genre. The album would probably have sounded better in the right state of mind so I will re-listen to it when the weather is more grim and cold.
Favourite track: 'Ordained in Bile'
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