Vircolac – Codex Perfida (self-released, 2014).

When the introduction track Codex Perfida starts, you get a clue as to what this demo is… Back in 2009, when Tribulation released their debut The Horror, it was praised for being true to the title. However, personally, Vircolac have rivalled the Swedes with a truly haunting demo. This is 19th century Gothic Horror put to music- bloodthirsty, supernatural metal of death oozing with the sort of rotten, otherworldly atmosphere that many black metal bands would crave. Whilst definitely more influenced by Swedish old-school death metal, there are, as suggested, some Gothic hints in the music, weaving their way in to create the chilling sound. However, at points there does seem to be some riffs that vaguely remind me of Necrovore, such as for the song Confessio which initially made me think in part of Divus De Mortuus, though this may partially be due to alcohol rotting my brain. Indeed, in retrospect it definitely sounds more like Dismember, especially the introduction for The Worm Turns, which is reminiscent of a mixture of In Death’s Sleep. Regardless of this rambling side track, definitely a stand out demo release, and a sign of great things to come from a band of stalwart veterans. The production is generally perfect, though there are some minor criticisms. The use of piano and violin in was genius though. Either way, I’m ravenous for more.

9/10.