Denouncement Pyre – Black Sun Unbound (Hells Headbangers. 2016).

Denouncement Pyre – Black Sun Unbound (Hells Headbangers. 2016).

The evolution of Denouncement Pyre has been quite spectacular. Starting off as more akin to a hybrid of Black, Death, and Thrash Metal, they have continued to evolve and develop their style, adding at points a more epic feel to their sound and incorporating elements that sound influenced by Orthodox Black Metal and creating something that can be described as akin to a blend of Watain and Deströyer 666. The introduction Abnegate is a cracking start to the album, setting the mood well. As mentioned earlier, there is an interesting blend of styles on display throughout the songs that works well to create an imposing piece of Black Metal. There are thrashier segments of songs, such as in Deathless Dreaming (which does sound very much like some of their earlier material) or in Scars Adorn The Whore In Red (which contrasts with the more Orthodox sections and helps to forge a truly diabolical song). The spiralling tremolo riffs of World Encircler are somewhat reminiscent of Watain or Dissection, with the song in general carries with it a tremendous power, especially that bridge riff, which conveys a sense of the sublime and transcendental within the music, working brilliantly with the sinister slower sections to create an ode to the serpent. The album is adorned with iniquitous melodies, such as on Revere The Pyre, that work well with the riffs in creating a grim and ominous sound. I also feel as if the drumming should get some praise, as I particularly enjoy the drumming on the song Witness, which has a sort of riding feel that works well with the chorus riff and just sounds killer. The slower sections are, in my opinion, just as powerful as the frenetic, high-speed tremolo riffs, at points possessing a formidable presence, such as in Wounds of Golgotha or on the final song Sophrosune, which is a monumental piece and a stunning ending to the album. The general atmosphere that pervades the album is best described as being a blend of a raging, warlike spirit unleashed upon the Heavens combined with an element somewhat ophidian, something like the venom of snakes overflowing in a Satanic temple. Overall, the album is very well-constructed, with a high level of song-writing coming together to create some fiendish music that does not lack in regards to ferocity, with melodic sections ebbing and flowing and complimenting perfectly those fiery passages in songs. 8/10.