Sheidim - Infamata

#FOR FANS OF: Black/Death

To those of you who haven't heard of Sheidim yet, they are a black/death metal quartet hailing from Barcelona, Spain. The band had been around since 2013, and they released their first vinyl format EP last 2015 which holds two unrefined and fierce tracks. Just last 2016, the band had put out their debut studio album under the banner of Dark Descent Records. The debut was named 'Shrines of the Void', and that album showed to the extreme metal community the excellent songwriting talent of these Iberian horde. This time around, just last September 2017, the band once again strike with a new offering called 'Infamata'.

It is quite remarkable to come across such an even-handed and well-rounded fusion of two sub-genres of extreme metal in a release. 'Infamata' is one that belongs to these extraordinary few. This EP from Sheidim was molded by the band to create a bloody profound and pristine experience for its listeners. And they sure had found success in that matter, because 'Infamata' showcases a solid synthesis that recalls the best indications of both speed-oriented black metal and death metal.

Every track on this EP was built in an admirable manner. Each of them offers a really entertaining and catchy ethos. Songs like "A Dying Sun" and "Underneath" hit the audiences incredibly hard with its fast and utterly aggressive death metal nature, topped with a very cold and evil atmosphere. Following those two mentioned tracks are "Wings of the Reaper" and "Sisters of Sleep", which have a really dark aura. The ambiance of those said tunes brings forth a very wicked black metal feel in the background.

All the songs here included also have that evident early Bathory riffing on the guitar section. Outside the Bathory-like guitars, we can also hear different guitar riffage delivered by C.S. which varies from classic rock 'n roll to vintage thrash riffing. I am awed by how quite amazing C.S. was able to apply all those guitar segments without dragging down that strong black metal mood of the songs. The tremolo riffs present here are also impressive. They show an absurd intensity even with their more melodic character. The tremolos sound incredibly aggressive, and even more foul than what you could expect that a black/death metal band would come up.

Alejandro Tedín's bass is perceptible but it maintains composure with the rest of the instruments and does well to complement the music in the album. That audible presence of the bass also adds an extra layer beneath the songs. Considering this is still in theory under the black metal flag, I would give my compliments to the band for having a surprisingly audible bass guitar line. Jordi Farré's drum work pounds away with furious blast beats, creating a menacing flavor to the offering. Jordi's drumming may not be that exceedingly decorative, but the guy sure knows exactly what he should be playing during each section to maintain the intended maniacal atmosphere in the record.

A.K., the band's frontman, sputters harsh screams and growls that sound like they came from Satan himself. His style, which is somewhere between a roar and a snarl, builds an intensely raw and powerful reinforcement to the tracks in the album. I really dig A.K.'s vocal approach because it is not muffled with effects. The EP's production is also quite solid for an underground extreme metal release. It's really refreshing to me, as I usually enjoy listening to those dreadfully produced basement-type demos and EPs when it comes to extreme music.

Well, there you have it fellas. 'Infamata' is a release that definitely has some special offerings for Sheidim's listeners. The violence on this record is pure and intact, and the entire iniquitous concept of black metal and death metal is in full form on this one. I suggest fans of both black and death metal to get a copy of this record. It's really worth the money, and it deserves a place in your metal collection. (Felix Sale)

(I, Voidhanger - 2017)
Score: 75

https://sheidim.bandcamp.com/album/infamata