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artist: Deimhal
title: The Diabolical Liberation
year: 2024
genre: Black Metal
type: EP
label: Independent
language: English
rel. date: 2024-08-23
source: WEB/MP3
quality: CBR 320kbps / 44.1 kHz / Joint Stereo
runtime: 00:17:54
size: 41.0 MiB / 4 tracks
rip date: 2026-07-06
source url: https://open.qobuz.com/album/qz12cnq8ud2pc
tracklist:
01. Frostbound 5:56
02. The Flesh Words of Sin 4:50
03. Malice 4:15
04. Agony-Outro 2:53
release notes:
ast year we saw the appearance of Deimhal on the symphonic Black Metal
stage, launching into the scene with their EP 'The Grand Gathering'.
Featuring multiple members of the band Catamenia, the first work of the
band presented a different approach than with their previous
involvements, one that walked the crossroads of the later sound of
Immortal and Dimmu Borgir. Yet that was just the start, as the band
swiftly followed their debut release up with a new EP bearing the title
'The Diabolical Liberation'.
On their newest release, Deimhal has taken quite a different direction.
Yes, the label of symphonic Black Metal is very much in place, although
the keyboards have moved into a more orchestral background to give way to
the rattling drums and tremolo-picked guitar riffs. The likeness to the
bombastic sound of Dimmu Borgir is therefore retained, and the largest
shift can be attributed to the guitar work. Very little is left of the
Immortal-esque chugging riffs, as overall the music has shifted from a
midpaced approach to much more urgent character. New within this
guitar-emphasis are embedded solos, which remind me of Astennu's work on
Dimmu Borgir's 'Spiritual Black Dimensions'. With it, 'The Diabolical
Liberation' harbors more venom yet also the so typical technical
refinement of Finnish bands such as Children of Bodom.
Furthermore, in 'The Flesh Words of Sin' we find the band incorporating
an element that became increasingly popular in the second half of the
90's Black Metal: soprano vocals. The contribution of guest vocalist
Melitza Torres gives it an undeniable flashback to 25 years ago, when
Sarah Jezebel Deva graced albums by bands like Cradle of Filth and
Covenant to add a theatrical flair to their Black Metal. With it, the
song presents a more mature version of the band in which even some of
their Catamenia roots surface. In the subsequent 'Malice' guitar solos
and piano licks are intertwined throughout the song, highlighting once
more the drastic increase in pace, intensity and refinement. The EP is
rounded off with a moody acoustic song with strings and raspy
incantations, providing a musical counterpart to fit with the artwork.
The increased urgency in pace, the more haunting atmosphere and the
incorporation of guitar solos have done the sound of Deimhal nothing but
good. While the debut was more a decent record that just fit in a
blossoming scene without making a huge splash, 'The Diabolical
Liberation' feels like a much stronger release. Those with a place for
late 90's symphonic Black Metal in their hearts would do well to give
this EP a good listen.