BLACK GOAT from the medieval Serpukhov in Russia started back in 1999 as a solo venture by founder IX. Later further troops were brought in as bassist Graver and a few drummers through the years. Playing a creaking, lo-fi, ritualistic Black Metal from enticing Russia, they remain grounded and primitive. However, they kept their output without interruption as they have released impressive 14 demos and a considerable number of splits, EPs and compilations ensued before a proper full-length, “The Ultimate Revelation”, appeared in 2016. For the next six years the onslaught of releases continues and the latest which is now their fifth full-length, “Demogorgon – The Inmost Darkness Itself” speaks full volumes of the uncompromising and voracious intent of this horde. And continuing their traditions from previous releases and albums, the new record is also old school, raw Black Metal with menacing vocals. So, you might sense that there isn’t much variety, but that’s what countless old school Black Metal fans crave inside. IX on guitar has an immense capability to keep the structures simple, crude yet soaked in darkness. There’s a hint of SABBATH worshipping during the end of ‘Demogorgon’ and there is some silence at the beginning of ‘Impious Communion’, but almost all of this album is fast-paced, raw Black Metal. Besides, the immaculate uses of synthesizers can keep minds hooked and can make anyone contemplate the themes the Russians entitle as satanism to nuclear apocalypse and rituals of horrid kinds. Tracks such as ‘Possession Of The Necromancer’, ‘From Beyond’, ‘Reaper Of The Fallen Souls’ and ‘Satanic Unholiness’ would tell those tales. The production is as low-fi and simplistic as possible to please all the hearts of those who always get pissed by the polished sound of modern Black Metal acts and their releases. The atmosphere set by that, can give the feeling of watching them playing in a moonlit cemetery or in a damp cellar. The provoking cover art by Proctor Gidim Xul would further enhance those feelings. And at the end of the album the surprising TORMENTOR cover, ‘Tormentor I’, says more about the inspiration and displayed their outright devotion to the legends. The Mexican label Iron, Blood And Death Corporation is doing commanding work on supporting BLACK GOAT’s journey so far. And surely, those who will be exposed to “Demogorgon – The Inmost Darkness Itself”, would hail the Russians and crave further LP and tape releases besides the currently available formats. To find out more about the band and label visit www.facebook.com/bgserpentmessiah or www.facebook.com/ibdc666.