When was the last time new music truly intimidated you? I can’t exactly recall, but the latest effort from German Black Death Metal cult CH’AHOM “Anthropic Rites Of Sublimation” quite profoundly left me unnerved. Their sheer dynamic savagery has given me complete satisfaction, fulfilling my endless anticipation of how they would surpass their previous album “Knots Of Abhorrence”. Yet what makes this new offering so compelling is not the escalation of its bestiality, but the way CH’AHOM tames that violence through a transformative sense of refinement. A brilliance rooted equally in their unmistakable musical prowess and the otherworldly aesthetic vision as well as theme that permeates this album. Before exploring the distinctive artistic ethos that sets them apart within the underground Metal world, let me first confront the multifaceted barbarity unleashed by their new album. Their vortex of madness begin with a song called ‘Cult Of Xaman’. Traditional cult instrumentation carries the weight of this conceptual album from the very first second. Its deeply unnerving sound establishes an almost commanding presence, setting the mood or aura of “Anthropic Rites Of Sublimation” before their inimitable merciless riffing takes its toll. Before you can even recover from the devastating impact of the opening track, the second attack ‘Reign Of Nohol’ arrives with the same unrelenting intensity, leaving you barely a moment to breathe. What makes the journey even more interesting as I venture further into their new opus is how its slightly dissonant guitar work intertwines with the drum structures, building an exceptional hook that makes me bang my head against the grave even harder. And then comes ‘Priests Of Lik’in’ which is less menacing than the previous tracks, yet carrying a dominating character of its own, an offer impossible to refuse, if you will. Once again, the drums play a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere, pounding with the authority of a battle commander leading his army into war. That is ultimately the impression this track evokes. As we approach the final two offerings, there is no reason to expect CH’AHOM to ease their onslaught. ‘Chosen Of Chik’in’ proves to be an expansive composition, merging groove-laden Dark Metal with their infamous foundation, uncompromising War Metal riffing that crawls beneath an oppressive sonic territories. What an epic way to conclude “Anthropic Rites Of Sublimation”. After endless searing grooves and relentless extremity, their longest track of this new album ‘Insemination’ delivers me to total victory amid the ashes of war. Once again, CH’AHOM delivers a monumental conceptual album. “Anthropic Rites Of Sublimation” is set in a fictional world inspired by the rituals, art, and architecture of pre-Hispanic cultures. The band claims that their sophomore album explores that theme as an immense ritual of sound, and I couldn’t agree more. This is not your typical Black Death War Metal album, but an ecstatic experience built around an immersive atmosphere. The combination of their themes and sound is inescapable for those who hunger for something beyond a bestial Metal album. And the work of Dan Lowndes at Resonance Sound Studio on their sound production, alongside the amazing cover artwork by Alexander Kavtea, elevates even more depth of this record. Both elements complement the overall presentation, transforming “Anthropic Rites Of Sublimation” into a ritualistic experience within the darkest realm of Black Death Metal. In conclusion, regardless of CH’AHOM’s intent, their latest attempt to terrify the masses through their work is a success in its own right. Support the cause of “Anthropic Rites Of Sublimation” through 20 Buck Spin now! www.instagram.com/devouringopaion, www.facebook.com/20buckspin