Review : HERMH – “Cold Blood Messiah”

Hermh – “Cold Blood Messiah”
released May 19, 2009 on Regain Records

The Polish symphonic black metal troupe’s fourth album (their second since reforming in 2003) may be their best yet. Similar to their countrymen, Vesania, they succeed at balancing the darkness with strongly infused harmonies. Hardly a one-trick pony, they invoke folk rhythms (5 and 9), Egyptian history (8), Latin refrains (1, 2), an acoustic instrumental (7), and choir arrangements (3, 8). The sole surviving original member is lead vocalist Bart, who also co-produced and wrote the lyrics. Recurring themes of vampirism run throughout, but are neither sappy nor overt. Well worth a listen for those who take a shot of grandiosity with their black metal.

FCC OK
Try 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9

01. Hairesis
02. Instrumentum Diaboli
03. Eyes Of The Blind Lamb
04. Lord Shall Be Revealed
05. I Bring You Fear
06. Sin Is The Law
07. Gnosis
08. Who Can Be Against Us
09. In My Flesh I See God

Rating:  

~Matt Longo