Review: Azaghal – Nekrohelios

Review by Jeger

Azaghal – Nekrohelios

Record Label: Immortal Frost Productions

Year: 2026

Rating: 10/10

To have listened to Azaghal is to have taken in true Finnish Black Metal of the most exacting consort. Standards way beyond the status quo and a vision that supersedes even the most stalwart of collectives are what Azaghal brings to the proverbial table. To have excelled to this point, to have made such a respectable name for yourself in any facet of professionalism is something to strive for and Azaghal has always made it seem effortless. That is the mark of true class. In 2023, Azaghal released their most envy-inducing LP in “Alttarimme on luista tehty” to the enthrallment of critics and enthusiasts; setting a practically unreachable bar for a follow-up. But one thing has remained apparent over the years and that is the fact that Azaghal are not interested in repeating the past or even in taking a look back in that direction. This is evident in the diverse nature of Azaghal recordings, from the bestial “Of Beasts and Vultures” to the genre-dominating “Codex Antitheus” through to what is now the “Nekrohelios” era, the Azaghal experience has been one of many shades, textures and vibes. On May 29, Azaghal released the above-mentioned “Nekrohelios” via Immortal Frost Productions.

Azaghal

Death is apparently the concept here. Can’t really tell due to the fact that I can’t read Finnish, but thematics are taking a backseat on this ride anyway. With “Nekrohelios”, Azaghal delivers the very best of, well… Azaghal… Following a compelling titular intro, “Nekrohelios” erupts into a frenzy of swirling riffs and blast-beats during “Elävän Kuoleman Tuhannet Kasvot” – alternating between manic and melodic – BM in its most aggressive yet reserved form. The energy is violent and yet compacted so dangerously airtight that the whole thing feels as if it could detonate into a mushroom cloud extinction-level event at any moment. Azaghal proving to be Masters of their craft. The whole album just feels right, like textbook Azaghal, despite some atmospheric experimentation in “Elysium” and some anthemic tones during “Vihan Ruoska”. The latter is proving to be the album’s most brutal cut thus far by a long shot and the talent, the erstwhile development of this group has been like a freak gamma mutation; growing by leaps and bounds with every record; BM cred like grotesque veiny muscles protruding through whatever futuristic material their Hero suits happen to be made of… And it hasn’t been a steady ascent. Each Azaghal album has had its own unique requirements as far as talent distribution. Some require a little more flash than others and Azaghal Visionary, Tomi Kalliola (Narqath) has proven over the years to be every bit as astute in the understanding of this truth as one Satanic Warmaster.

True Finnish BM, true Satanic BM. Reveling in His warm diabolical energy now as the blasphemous “Saatana, Olen Miekkasi” unfolds. I can’t help but be reminded of the mighty Horna and their similarly composed “Saatanan Viha”: infernal, rage-fueled and primal. “Nekrohelios” is exactly what I expected it to be; another brilliant Black Metal album and another display of force; a reminder of who the most important Black Metal band in Suomi is. Not because of their obvious talent but because of their passion, their insight into the music and their willingness to experiment, all the while as they remain firmly rooted in tradition. Exactly what the scene needs, what it will always need…

Aside from a few variations, “Nekrohelios” is a pretty straightforward endeavor: high-energy, unpredictable yet familiar and serpentine-like when it comes to composition as opposed to the more conventional verse, chorus, verse approach. A celebration of culture! A celebration of true Black Metal and testament to the dominance of the Suomi scene. Tracks off of “Nekrohelios” like the closing pair: “Olen Unohtanut isäni Kasvot” and “Noitalasia”, in how they mystify while simultaneously engaging all of your ole faithful, evil little sweet spots, only solidify said dominance. Another notch in the ole belt for Azaghal though. Just business as usual.

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