Black Cilice's latest album, Old Oaths, is a haunting and atmospheric journey through the darkest corners of black metal. The Portuguese one-man band's fifth full-length release showcases a raw and primitive sound, with lo-fi production and abrasive guitars that create a wall of sound that is both menacing and mesmerizing.
The album's opening track, "Channeling Forgotten Energies," sets the tone for the rest of the record, with its hypnotic riff and hypnotic vocals that seem to emanate from the depths of the abyss. From there, the album takes the listener on a journey through a series of bleak soundscapes, each one more ominous than the last.
The songs on Old Oaths are long and sprawling, with some clocking in at over 10 minutes. But despite their length, they never feel repetitive or boring. Each track is carefully crafted, with subtle changes in tempo and melody that keep the listener engaged.
One of the standout tracks on the album is "The Torch," which features a haunting acoustic guitar intro before exploding into a barrage of distorted riffs and blast beats. The song's midsection features a mesmerizing guitar solo that is both beautiful and terrifying.