Temple Below – The Dark Goddess (Iron Bonehead Productions. 2016).

Temple Below – The Dark Goddess (Iron Bonehead Productions. 2016).

A band that describes their music as Black Magic Metal of Death is one that should intrigue and excite. I would expect a tenebrous sound, one that would feel like a journey through Tartarus. Well, they don’t disappoint with this finely crafted piece of Black Metal. This release has an ominous start, with what sounds like some bizarre recording from a subterranean temple, composed of whispers and droning, reverberated chats which helps set the mood for what is to come. As this comes to a close around the minute mark, the band unleash Hell, coming forth with fiery Black Metal with some killer riffs, and a brilliant mid-paced section of just bass and drums around the 03:50 mark before working itself up into a frenzy that bites to the bone. The second track is around 9 minutes long, and it manages to preserve the ritualistic feeling that is created by the intro (consisting of sitars, noise etc.). There are killer riffs galore on Ave Trivia Ekati, which manages to preserve some of the Stygian atmosphere on the previous tracks. I cannot understate how enjoyable that one whirling riff that forms part of the verse is. The keyboards and solo on this song further enhance its malevolence. The final track, Boszorkányság; A fekete assonzy árnyÉka, is a brilliant piece of dark ambient that helps summarise and accentuate the various contrasting and complimentary feelings that run through the EP. At points feeling oppressive and claustrophobic, yet at the same time expansive and transmundane, like a journey through a pitch-black dungeon seeking some form of transcendence from the world of flesh and into the realms of timeless Void. Throughout the mini-album, the band make brilliant use of samples and introductions, which highlight how well-crafted this beast is. The sound quality is great, as it does sound gigantic, and you won’t find yourself missing any of the detail. This is a release that should belong to fans of this form of Black Metal given the evil sound and the brilliant riffs and song writing. This is a true act of devotion to the Dark Goddess. Get it if you can. 8.25/10.