Description

Ever since the early 90s, the black metal scene in Britain has never really been very impressive. It’s a shame really; you would have thought the Brits would have put out a lot of good black metal, depicting horrific tales about the dark streets of London and the misty Yorkshire moors. It’s even more of a shame considering Britain’s 80s black metal history. Not only were the genre’s founders, the mighty Venom, one hundred percept British, but bands like Black Widow, Black Sabbath, Atomic Rooster, Angel Witch, Satan, Witchfynde, Sabbat and such that first brought dark lyrics and satanic ideals to heavy music also originated there, as well as a bulk number of the hardcore punks bands that influenced the rawness and do-it-yourself aesthetic (i’m talking about bands like Discharge, GBH etc.). However, by the time we reached the turning of the decade, UK black metal was starting to look bleak, and not in the good way. Sure, there was Cradle of Filth, and although their status as a black metal band is certainly questionable to say the least, their first few albums were laced with occult philosophies and British pride. There were others that hinted at the sound but stuck with a more melodic nature; Bal Sagoth, Ewigkeit, Forefather, Hecate Enthroned, Meads of Asphodel. Although certain bands such as these were good in their own field, nothing has ever really matched the darkness, intensity and real down-to-earth black metal feel that bands from Norway, Germany and the rest of Europe were creating. Besides a few bands that stayed true to the underground (Old Forest, Megiddo and Reign of Erebus come to mind) there didn’t seem much hope for real English black metal. Which is why I can say, that Written In Torment is good British black metal. The brutality and aggressiveness of the band is tempered with some darkened and good melodies. This is black metal with some folk music parts and the songs are filled with a raw and dense energy.

Track list:
1. Abyssus Abyssum Invocat
2. Spear Of Destiny
3. Baralis
4. The Gun To My Head
5. Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum
6. Worthless Child Race
7. Dies Irae
8. Ouroboros Thou Art Leviathan