The Finnish black metal band Azaghal has been around since 1995. They've released 6 full-lengths and over a dozen EPs and splits, but their music hasn't been widely available in North America. That will change as they've signed with Moribund Records and their seventh CD gets worldwide distribution.
Finland has been somewhat overshadowed by their neighboring countries in the black metal scene, but Omega shows Azaghal and Finland shouldn't be overlooked. They combine raw, fast and furious traditional black metal with more moderately paced groovy riffs. Add in some atmospheric keyboards and you have a CD that is extreme and extremely catchy.
The vocals are also good. The black metal rasps are sometimes low pitched and angry, other times high pitched and evil. By changing up the tempos, styles and intensity, Azaghal avoids monotony and repetition, which makes Omega a first-rate black metal CD.
(released March 4, 2008 on Moribund Records)
