French blackened death metal outfit Temple Of Baal have been steadily releasing EPs and albums since their inception in 1998 – 15 years later and their focus has progressively shifted away from black metal and incorporated elements of death, receiving mixed reviews from fans in the process. Fourth studio album Verses Of Fire (Agonia) is a continuation of this departure, however, this time their sound is decidedly more melodic.

The delivery of this record is hostile and blasts through an hour of ear-punishing brutality and intensity. There’s nothing especially memorable or creative about any of the riffs, however, there is no denying the energy encompassed within each track and there is a sense that this is most certainly a band that could get a moshpit started without much effort on their part.

However, unlike their previous releases where the guitars sounded like a wall of noise, this time around they make full use of melody – albeit it doesn’t sound amazing, however, the flurry of guitar squeals and speedy finger picking provides a satisfying relief from the surge of pure evil filth spewed forth across each of the 10 songs on this opus.

6/10

Angela Davey

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