They possess an offbeat sound and odd structure that is unconventional in most black metal bands. The songs are aggressive and somewhat thrashy in places with explosive lead guitars and blast beats. ‘Hostis Humani Generis’ and ‘Soliloquy’ are beautiful melodic instrumental tracks.  However, when put into the context of the rest of the album they stick out like a sore thumb.  Trying to put something complex and gentle alongside a host of tracks that are fast and violent seems to make little sense – it’s almost like trying to stroke a bunny with a chainsaw – the result is disastrous.

Mhorgl’s sound isn’t the most accessible of its genre and ‘Heresiarch’ is an obvious attempt to rectify that, however, in doing so what they have produced is nothing short of bizarre. Better luck next time perhaps?  This isn’t bad, but that doesn’t necessarily means it’s good; middle of the road black metal at its finest.

Reviewed by Angela Davey
Heresiarch is out now on Sovereign

You’ll like this if… your eardrums are well overdue a good pummelling