Angel Of Damnation | Ethereal Blasphemy | Dying Victims Productions

 

Angel Of Damnation was formed in 2003 in Germany with a clear dedication to epic traditional doom metal. Drawing on the legacies of Candlemass, Saint Vitus, Witchfinder General, and the older shadows of Pentagram and Black Sabbath, their musical approach consistently favored the power of riff over the atmospheric leanings often associated with modern doom. Lyrically, Angel Of Damnation veers toward historical darkness, blasphemy, and anti-religious sentiment, expressed not as provocation but as grim satire.

The lineup has seen several shifts, but for "Ethereal Blasphemy," the third full-length release and their first since 2018, the band presents a seasoned formation: Avenger (guitars, bass, keyboards/aka Daniel Cichos), Doomcult Messiah (vocals/aka Gerrit P. Mutz), Forcas (bass), and Neudi (drums/aka Andreas Neuderth). Each member brings years of experience from the German metal underground, including ties to Nocturnal, Cross Vault, Dawn Of Winter, Sacred Steel, and Manilla Road.

"Ethereal Blasphemy," released by Dying Victims Productions on 20 June 2025, is neither rushed nor experimental. Instead, it follows a focused and deliberate path that aligns with the band’s established character. It carries seven tracks, starting with “Eternal Life In Hell” and ending with “Anal Worship Of The Goatlord,” each delivered with measured heaviness, a deliberate pacing, and a deep-toned melodic thread. The riffs do not rely on overwhelming volume or tempo shifts but rather linger in long, sometimes repetitive passages that slowly build atmosphere.

The production, handled largely by Avenger in his private Somewhere In Nowhere Studio, maintains a sense of rawness without sacrificing clarity. There’s no sense of overproduction or artificial precision. The drums, newly recorded by Neudi, add a looser, more organic presence than in previous albums, giving the material a different texture without diverting from the core sonic intent.

The vocals of Doomcult Messiah remain a defining element: theatrical, resonant, and drenched in traditional doom metal cadence, without straying into self-parody or melodrama. This vocal tone pairs naturally with the lyrical themes, which blend dark sarcasm with mythic overtones and a steady anti-religious current.

The songwriting avoids excess. Each track sits within the framework of traditional doom and relies on solid, memorable progressions rather than complexity. Despite their length, most songs feel controlled and intentional. "Ethereal Blasphemy" is not an album that depends on pace or modern tropes. It is firmly entrenched in the traditions it draws from, executed by veterans who no longer need to prove anything. Its strength lies in consistency, presence, and conviction. This is doom metal made by people who live it, not just perform it.

Score: 7