Saturday, September 20, 2025

Year Of The Goat | Trivia Goddess | Napalm Records

 

Release Date: September 20, 2024
Format: CD, LP, Digital
Genre: Occult Rock, Dark Rock
Country: Sweden

Sweden has long been a fertile ground for occult-inspired heavy music, and Year Of The Goat has carved out their own path since their formation in Norrköping back in 2006. Their name has become synonymous with ritualistic melodies, soaring guitars and a theatrical presence that echoes the sinister charm of 60s and 70s dark rock. Their breakthrough came in 2012 with the critically acclaimed "Angels Necropolis", a debut that immediately positioned them as frontrunners in the occult rock movement. They followed this with "The Unspeakable" (2015) and the sprawling "Novis Orbis Terrarum Ordinis" (2019), albums that deepened their storytelling and layered musical landscapes.


Now, after six years, Year Of The Goat returns with their fourth full-length, "Trivia Goddess". The album breaks away once again from their ongoing trilogy, instead focusing on a concept steeped in women’s history, witch trials and the enduring power of the goddess figure. The band’s interest in the darker chapters of religion and human cruelty finds new depth here, turning tales of persecution into grand, melodic rituals.

"Trivia Goddess" offers nine tracks, clocking in at nearly an hour, that summon the aura of candlelit chambers, medieval fear and righteous rebellion. From the commanding opener "The Power Of Eve" to the haunting closer "The Witch Of The Woods", the band weaves together sprawling compositions with hooks that linger. "Alucarda" leans heavily into a 70s hard rock spirit, easily one of the most infectious songs of their career, while "Mét Agwe" stretches into epic territory with an almost cinematic quality. The title track itself is a hymn to Hekate, the goddess of witches, invoking grandeur and menace.


Musically, Year Of The Goat remains true to their roots in dark, melodic rock, guided by twin guitar harmonies, dramatic vocal interplay and steady, ritualistic drumming. There’s a richness in the arrangements, whether in the layered chants of "The Queen Of Zemargad" or the sinister atmosphere of "Crescent Moon". The production emphasizes their grand sound without sacrificing the organic warmth that has always been part of their identity. 
The album is heavy, atmospheric, memorable in its melodic craft, and fully devoted to the arcane themes that have defined their work. It feels like a timeless ritual, crafted for those who walk the path of occult rock.

Score: 8.5

https://www.facebook.com/yearofthegoat/

https://www.instagram.com/yearofthegoatofficial/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQiyNdwrrKBSuYZLx13_IdQ

https://napalmrecords.com/yearofthegoat?product_list_dir=desc&product_list_order=release_date

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