Record Label: Independent
Year: 2024
Rating: 8/10
Except Burzum I can’t think of any other anti-Christian Black Metal band whose vocalist is actually called Christian. Even Varg had the foresight to recognise a potential problem. However, with Belltower, it should be recognised that we are dealing with an American Black Metal band, and so therefore in true US fashion, the amount of fucks that will be given is most likely at a premium.
The band, from Denver, consists of a fairly standard arrangement, 2 guitarists, one bass dude, one screeching demon and one furious battery-operated machine carrying two sticks whilst posing as a human drummer. This is one seriously quick band. The opening title track explodes into life without warning, reminiscent of the lightning Setherial releases of the early 2000s. “Christian” snarls, howls and spits all kinds of nasty venom all over the track, spraying his hate like shotgun pellets. The competent instrumentation is arranged perfectly well, if not particularly originally. The production across this EP is very nicely balanced, with each instrument being represented throughout. Big nod to Christian and Paul Francis.
“There is no God” sees a temporary foot on the brakes, giving the atmospherics a chance to make themselves known. And temporary it certainly is as the track see-saws between blistering speed and mid-paced chugging dripping with menace. It’s a more intelligently arranged piece of work than the opener, with even an Iron Maiden-esquesolo closing proceedings. They stand out so far.
Track 3, (Gateways) is another BM fist of fury, skidding along at breakneck speed, middle finger fully extended. The black chants in the middle 8 add character to what is already a certified banger. Belltower certainly doesn’t have ‘fucking about’ as a prerequisite for this EP. Get it done, make it as fast and nasty as possible and then home for tea and medals.
With that in mind, the last track, “The forlorn Spirit” is upon us. Someone in the studio has found and dusted off the synth, most likely the same one used by the Norwegians back in the halcyon days of the 90s. It is used sparingly but effectively and after 3 and a half minutes, the guitar solo is back, followed by more oooos and ahhhs from the choir presets.
And that’s kind of it. The whole thing clocks in at around 20 mins. You can’t find it on Spotify and it’ll cost you about $8 on Bandcamp. It’s a no-nonsense, in-your-face, perfectly executed, very well-produced piece of American Black Metal Pie. And I for one rather hope this music doesn’t die. Bravo.
Explore further: