Reviewer: Chris

Pure Norwegian black metal.

It’s been a long time since anyone can say that without referencing the past output of the legendary bands of the second wave. Truth told, there’s nothing original coming out of Norway anymore and we all know this to be a fact. However, Limbonic Art managed to pull some precious serum from that beaker of black metal madness and create Phantasmagoria, a fast-trekking foray into the darkest corners of the scene. It truly has to be heard to be believed, and it will only take one time to ingest it properly.

That’s a given. 

From the second the title track hit my ears I immediately began my uncontrolled head nodding to the blasting beat of “Prologue/Phantasmagoria”, all the while hearing vocalist Daemon shriek his malevolent way through amazingly fast, yet well-structured tracks. Limbonic Art has always had very strong albums, especially Epitome of Illusions and Legacy of Evil, and this latest one is just as tremendous. The lineage is protected quite fine with strong tracks like “Curse of the Necromancer”, which combines old school thrash and speed with all of the potency of the black metal scene from yesterday. For me this is the black metal release of the year so far as its essence is one of horror and infernal beauty unlike most of the diminished bands from the genre today.

“Apocalyptic Manifestation” sounds like a hellish chariot race through Hades at breakneck speed. In fact, if you picture the Ben Hur chariot race and put this track over it you’d find yourself rooting for the dark lord (as if you already don’t). What was created here on Phantasmagoria is complete and utter disdain and resentment of all things holy. When you imagine the true nature of evil and sadistic intent, this track is your soundtrack. I am totally overwhelmed by the resonance and power of this album and I’m just sitting here imaging that I have all day to listen to it again. When an album does that to me it’s a sure winner.    

For me and my history in this scene which dates back to 1983, Limbonic Art is one of the better bands to emerge from Norway’s tumultuous mountains that has an underground following of sincere proportions, yet is still relatively unknown to the masses. Hopefully Phantasmagoria will shed some dark light on this band that even epics like Moon in the Scorpio didn’t find, though that really astounds me. Since it now appears that Daemon is the sole performer in Limbonic Art, and did some incredible work herein, I can merely implore you to check out this brutally black album for yourself.  

Release Date: July 19, 2010
Label: Candlelight Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  Prologue / Phantasmagoria
2.  Crypt of Bereavement
3.  Curse of the Necromancer
4.  Portal to the Unknown
5.  Dark Winds
6.  A World in Pandemonium
7.  Flight of the Mind’s Eye
8.  Apocalyptic Manifestation
9.  Prophetic Dreams
10.  The Burning Vortex
11.  A Black Sphere of Serenity
12.  Astral Projection

Total playing time:  71:02

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Limbonic Art - Phantasmagoria

September 5, 2010