Review: Ofermod – Drakosophia

Review by Jeger

Ofermod – Drakosophia

Record Label: Shadow Records – Regain Records

Year: 2025

Rating: 9.5/10

True Satanism is of the theistic kind, and it is linked to various currents of magick: Draconian Current and Kabbalah among others. Satanism is not a vessel for atheism, ie LaVeyan “Satanism”, which is a branch of atheism that uses Satanic imagery as a means to blaspheme the Church. Black Metal is a Satanic art. The truest Black Metal is Satanic in nature – a vessel for the above-mentioned currents of magick. Many Black Metal artists are also Occult Practitioners: the late Jon Nödtveidt (Dissection), VP Adept (Αχέροντας) and Michayah Belfagor (Ofermod), to name just a few. These individuals have dedicated their lives to the great craft of Occultism and its translation into the finest Dark Art of Black Metal.

Michayah Belfagor is an Artist with a violent background. His criminal history is the stuff of legend and quite simply appropriate. Black Metal’s greatest Artists are ones who have lived their lives in opposition to the law. But alas, we all outgrow such a lifestyle at some point, and our art becomes the focal point. For years now, Michayah has embraced a life centered in music and esotericism. His occult works are also renowned. Ofermod are the under-sung pioneers of Swedish Black Metal, or Orthodox Black Metal – a form of BM derived from the mind and the workings of Michayah. Ofermod formed in 1996. True Occult Black Metal in its most revered form. Ofermod boasts a modest but substantial discography consisting of five, soon to be six full-length studio LPs. Number six – “Drakosophia” – is scheduled to be released on October 3 via Shadow / Regain.

During one of my past interviews with Yiannis Ktls (Serpent Noir), he explained to me the power of Draconian Current and its danger. Those who’ve not been trained or initiated and who attempt to stream with the current foolhardily shall surely suffer chaotic consequences to their lives.

The workings of Qliphoth (Kabbalah) or Jewish Mysticism – the Tree of Death is powered by opposing energy to the Tree of Life. Each of its branches operates adversarially and is symbolized by every Fallen Angel. The Tree of Death represents Sitra Achra – an impure realm. Its function is to oppose the Tree of Life’s attributes, which are mapped out universally; diagramming creation as the result of the flow of divine energy. With “Drakosophia”, judging by the album cover art, Ofermod intertwines both of the above-mentioned currents: Draconian Current and Qliphoth.

Ofermod

From a musical standpoint, every Ofermod album is a rare treat – an exploration of the expansive inner workings of the Occult set to Black Metal of the world-class variety. For “Drakosophia”, Michayah has brought in North American Vocalist, Adeptus and Austrian session percussionist, Florian Musil. Both are proving to be winning acquisitions. And as each passage of “Drakosophia” unfolds, it’s to forceful, inertia-inducing momentum. No pretentious intro here… It’s into blast-beat and double-bass-driven currents we go, and it’s with all of those brilliant riffing patterns that we’ve become accustomed to for the past three decades that the opener, “Aicha Kandisha” unfurls. White hot streaks of diabolical energy maintain a precise trajectory, all the while as tremolo passages radiate into a dense atmosphere.

Simply the very best of what the Swedish scene has to offer here: no compromise, no filler and enthralling as His blessed vitality. Chants to ritualize the ever-rich “Vineyards of Gomorrah” – imbibing upon its luscious bounty – juices dripping from the chin. Black Metal for the feast! Rich and gluttonous, savory and yet crisp as an Autumnal gale. With “Drakosophia”, Ofermod delivers a most imposing, a most intimidating experience. Raging through every passage as would the Dragon through the fabric of existence. Fucking splendid…

The titular track – an ode to victory! Toppling creation under the sway of an Aeons’ knowledge. Ethereal backing vocal effects create a most ominous vibe and dialing down the tempo a bit are Michayah and his Coven. This allows for the osmosis of the experience to fill your every crevice. Sorcery of sound! A Hellish manipulation of your senses. The maddening “Zazas Zazas Nasatanada Zazas” evokes images of a Coven enthralled in the heat of ritual – hearts racing and sweat-soaked as bon’s blaze crackles under silver-clouded moon. It only gets more epic as each moment passes. “Belialistic Gra’al Codex” hits like “Thaumiel’s” Sisters of Rapture and Pestilence”: similar grimy riffing patterns and gargantuan rhythms enriched, however, by more majestic chants. Le package totale! What an indulgent recording. So many variations in tempo and shifts in energy. This is exactly why Ofermod is the cream of the Swedish Black Metal scene.

A Satanic art indeed. Pure Occult-driven Black Metal powered by Him and by the forces of Sitra Achra. Michayah Belfagor: esteemed Occultist, formidable musician and just a glutton for life. “Drakosophia” feels like the culmination of an entire career’s work, as opposed to the exploration of some specific concept or idea. Nothing experimental or progressive, just Black Metal the way it was always meant to be: Satanic, adversarial and powerful. Don the cloak! And prepare for the great summoning. This is magick, this is ritual! This is Ofermod. Enjoy…