ARSGOATIA is a Black Metal band from Austria and “Agitators Of Hysteria” is their second full length on Ván Records. ARSGOATIA sticks to the simple traditional formula of aggression, madness and speed. The vocals are raw and pierce the room with angst, the drumming is slightly higher in the mix and adds in a sense of urgency. The guitars are in the background sticking to traditional rhythms. Well, ARSGOATIA stick to this, but also incorporate a sense of absolute chaos that they incorporate with ease. The guitars go absolutely crazy and frankly, this is a delight to listen to. I love chaotic Black Metal which elevates the overall experience and knowing this is a standard of the band is twice as welcome. Track # 1, ‘Anointing Of The Sick’, is the best representation of what the band has to offer. ARSGOATIA manages to pack a punch in every song and manage to not stray away. If you think this experience feels familiar, then you’re not alone. The vocalist was a member of BELPHEGOR and appears first on “Lucifer Incestus” amongst their other releases. This alone should provide the requisite background to ARSGOATIA. Also, soak me in cunt and cocaine has to be one of the greatest opening lines in a song and track # 3, gives you all that and more. As we progress further into the album, the drummer comes alive and how! Track # 5, ‘Hunting The Nephilim’, has to be one of the tightest performances on the album and the drumming is relentless. And finally, track # 6, ‘The Beating Heart Is A Lonely Hunter’, is easily the standout on the album. Starting out with a slow, rhythmic drumming with the guitars adding a layer to the beat, it opens with almost spoken-word-like vocals. This track clocks in just under 13 minutes and ties in with their opener to be the best representation of the band. I quite like what I hear. Chaotic, aggressive, atmospheric and add to it all sense of subtlety that is part of everything that the band does. Recommended! For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/arsgoatiaofficial, www.facebook.com/vanrecords