When
SERPENTS OATH released their debut album, “
Nihil,” in 2020 the Belgium Black Metal band was a trio. Now, some 18 months later, they have expanded to five members and have released their sophomore full-length, “
Ascension,” on
Soulseller Records. It is another solid offering and firmly establishes the band as stalwart defenders of the dark arts.
There is a lot of consistency with
SERPENTS OATH. I mean, okay, they expanded their lineup, but they are still with
Soulseller Records, they returned to
Néstor Avalos for their artwork, they still have the same sound, they maintain a thematic arc (“
Ascension” picks up right where “
Nihil” left off—both in narrative and in ethos), and they even follow the same pattern of interspersing the album with short atmospheric interludes. So, if you are familiar with “
Nihil” you should know exactly what to expect with this album. Some might call it a lack of inventiveness on the band’s part; others might say the band knows who they are and are sticking to their vision. I’m in the latter camp.
First, the story. In the band’s words: The album “shows the next chapter of the rebellion of Lucifer which was depicted on the band’s first album ‘
Nihil’ (2020). Now he has stormed the Throne of God only to find it empty and thus ascends to become his own God. The title ‘
Ascension’ refers to this journey of becoming your own God.” I love that the band seeks to transcend the literal constraints of the narrative and actually has a larger message. I think this runs true to the Black Metal ethos and says a lot about what the band stands for. I also enjoy the continuity of a multi-album storyline, which makes me look forward to what will probably be a trilogy.
Favorite tracks are “
Thy Mighty Serpent” as an iconic chant-and-return track; “
Of Fang and Claw” which references Lex Talionis from the Satanic Bible and features a devastating drop that just rips; “
Blood Moon,” the final and longest track on the album; and “
Death the Destroyer,” for its recurring uneasy melodic strains. I should also note that the production quality is compelling across the entire album with lots of rich bass inlays—always a treat on Black Metal albums.
I reviewed “
Nihil” at the end of the year of our plague, 2020. It was a strong debut and I have to say “
Ascension” is an equally strong follow-up. With this album, the band has proven they are not a fluke. They have expanded their lineup with additional permanent members, thus hedging the loose ends; they have stuck to a consistent trajectory, thematically and sonically; and they produced a worthy sophomore album which any Black Metal fan should appreciate.
Songwriting: 7
Musicianship: 7
Memorability: 7
Production: 8