Necrowretch
Swords of Dajjal


4.0
excellent

Review

by Gary STAFF
February 10th, 2024 | 22 replies


Release Date: 02/02/2024 | Tracklist

Review Summary: 'Want some black/death metal? Do you like Necrophobic too? Then, this album is for you.

Apparently, this year we find ourselves in the fortunate situation of enjoying "two" Necrophobic albums. Of course, this is just a playful statement, but for those familiar with the work of the Swedish band, their distinctive style in melodic black/death metal can be recognized in this album as well. Here, we could witness the “renewal” in Necrowretch’s sound, since the French band has followed a different style before. Until now, death metal was their main component in their music, and the shift toward black metal first appeared in their Welcome to Your Funeral EP, and now this shift was culminating in Swords of Dajjal.

The album title and cover revealed an unusual thematic choice: the dark mystique of the Middle East (likely) served as the primary inspiration for the album's creation. For example, the name 'Dajjal' featured in the title represents the Anti-Messiah in the Islamic eschatology, an evil entity that is expected to appear at the end of times. The album also deals with a similarly unique theme in one of its heaviest tracks, “Dii Mauri”, which lyrically evokes the formidable nature of ancient Moorish gods. Personally, I rarely delve so deeply into the lyrics of an album, but the theme of Swords of Dajjal prompted me to learn something new — which is a nice bonus for me.

Beyond the theme, the influence of the East is present in the music itself too, but in just a rather “decorative” way, such as oriental melodies played on string instruments and primitive drums in almost every track; plus we can also hear some chanting at the beginning of “Numidian Knowledge” as well. However, it can be stated that the entire album is built on extremely heavy riffs: grinding tremolos, some galloping, and, of course, death metal-style slicing, with occasional guitar solos. In this regard, while Swords of Dajjal cannot be considered particularly innovative, but I don't think there was a need for that. The French band has managed to give a distinct character to this record with building a mystical and infernal atmosphere. Beyond the outstanding instrumental skills, the vocals also reinforce this atmospheric effect, as the band's guitarist/vocalist spits out each word with such fury... those screams in “Vae Victis” for instance, were really well executed.

In my opinion, Swords of Dajjal is (by far) the strongest album in the Necrowretch discography, and this black/death style suits them very well. It's energetic and massive, though somewhat moderate in experimentation (considering the use of Eastern melodies).



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user ratings (72)
3.7
great


Comments:Add a Comment 
garas
Staff Reviewer
February 10th 2024


8179 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0 | Sound Off

Album is available on the streaming services. It was a very pleasant discovery for me, but well, the current roster of Season Of Mist is pretty damn strong!

Digging: Nocturnal Depression - Perptuelle Eclipse

NightOnDrunkMountain
Contributing Reviewer
February 10th 2024


841 Comments


Nice stuff and interesting concept, good follow-up to The Ones from Hell

Digging: Black Curse - Burning in Celestial Poison

Dewinged
Staff Reviewer
February 11th 2024


32179 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

So happy you reviewed this one garas, great album and great review!

Digging: Kelly Lee Owens - Dreamstate

83Bumakis
February 11th 2024


66 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Awesome album and sweet review! I actually checked this out and subsequently bought it based on your earlier sound off, so thank you for that. Super enjoyable stuff. Woulda been cool if it leaned in a little more heavily into the ethnic/experimental elements, but then the straightforwardness and simplicity is totally part of the appeal.

Hawks
February 12th 2024


93615 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Gotta jam so ahrd.

Digging: Black Curse - Burning in Celestial Poison

heck
February 12th 2024


7197 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

very fun album

Calc
February 12th 2024


17459 Comments


I saw the cover for this last week I thought it would be super awesome or really terrible. looks like it's more on the awesome side.

DDDeftoneDDD
February 12th 2024


22796 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

This is awesome. Tks for the rec garas!

Digging: Iotunn - Kinship

Maniac!
February 13th 2024


28551 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

this slays

Wildcardbitchesss
February 13th 2024


13732 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

never heard of these guys before but this album is insanely fun. February has been great so far imo

DaveyMonsoon
February 13th 2024


1248 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Solid stuff, so far this has been a bit more interesting than what Necrophobic have been doing the last few years.

Hawks
February 14th 2024


93615 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Jamming now. M///



Update: This fucking RIPZ.

DDDeftoneDDD
February 17th 2024


22796 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Nice update m/

Hawks
February 17th 2024


93615 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

M////

MillionDead
February 24th 2024


5587 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Fun stuff, this.

dedex
Staff Reviewer
April 10th 2024


12829 Comments

Album Rating: 3.6 | Sound Off

great rev garas!! this is cool

garas
Staff Reviewer
April 25th 2024


8179 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0 | Sound Off

Bump! Good to return to this one. Turns out this is "the better Necrophobic album" in this year.

DaveyMonsoon
April 25th 2024


1248 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Haven't heard the newest Necrophobic yet, but based off their recent albums I did find this slightly more interesting imo

Inveigh
May 9th 2024


26899 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

This slays for days

Hawks
May 9th 2024


93615 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Yep.



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