Horned Almighty – Contagion Zero
Release Date: 5th July 2024
Label: Soulseller Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Black Metal, Blackened Death Metal, Proto Black Metal.
FFO: Tomb Mold, Artificial Brain, Tribal Gaze, Phobophilic, Reeking Aura, Mortuous, Death.
Review By: Rick Farley
Rising from the ashes of the past, Horned Almighty return with their seventh studio album Contagion Zero, releasing via Soulseller Records on July 5th, 2024.
Formed in 2002 originally by vocalist S. Smerte and guitarist Hellpig with the intent of carrying the proverbial torch of traditional black metal born of the late eighties and early nineties. This duo, of Denmark’s extreme metal underground, enlisted drummer Harm after releasing a very crude demo using a drum machine in 2003. It proved to be the right decision, as those three as well as bassist (Haxen who was added in 2013) are still active members in 2024. No small feat in today’s world of revolving musicians. Up to this point in time, Horned Almighty have released six full length studios albums with a period of band inactivity prior to the world shutting down in 2020. Now nearly four years later, this black metal legion have returned.
As a courtesy, I try to do my criticism before I get to the good stuff so that people are not turned off with negativity towards the end of a review. The main goal here is to get people to check out bands, even if they do not always get it right in my eyes.
So, some critiques I have is that while this is extremely energetic, fiery, and executed well, it sometimes meanders between being memorable and uninteresting, which gives it this weird likeability without ever really blowing your head off with awesomeness. It has a sameness that runs through the tracks and never quite grabs your attention fully. The narrow confine of their soundscape is a weakness as well as a strength because honestly this is not a bad record by any means. Also, even though Contagion Zero sounds outstanding technically, it does feel a tad clinical. Now on to the good stuff.
Horned Almighty play to their strengths with ease. Obviously, they are talented musicians who have a tremendous grip on the black metal of the time period that they choose to represent. Sometimes a little crusty, a little grimy and with a swagger bordering the line between ferociousness, black n roll and punkish influence. The riffs are anxious and molten, feeling like a flurry of ravenous aggression. Mercurial loose guitar patterns mixed with tight crunchy gnarlyness. The drums and bass pummel without remorse, often shining through the density. The vocals are guttural while still sounding shrieky, with the occasional shout here and there, absolutely top-notch vocals. All the tracks have tremendous force and power, easily smashing its surroundings. The standout track for me is Furnace of Sulphur and Fire, it’s reminiscent of Enslaved at times, which is not a terrible thing in my world.
While Contagion zero is far from being genre defining, it is still quite enjoyable. I am not sure how much I will reach for this to listen to, but when the right mood beckons, this will blacken your veins up nicely. This is a record best suited to play in the background to let simmer and seep in. It has that droning quality to it that kind of gets inside your brain and infects you. I have no doubt that this will still be well received for what it is.
(3.5 / 5)
