FOGOS – Corpses and Ashes

The Spanish act named Fogos released this bleak opus of theirs a few months ago, and what they bring to the table is harsh, oppressive black metal with a convincingly nihilistic aura to it and an abundance of intensity. Fast-paced and tightly executed, these fuckers mean business and their ten-track offering is clearly served up by seasoned hands. The dark and solipsistic vibe of the material is appealing, and although it is neither experimental nor forward-thinking per say, the compositions are generally strong with the best of the bunch being the catchy ‘Acheron’, the majestic Mortis, the wildly twisted vortex of madness that is ‘Dysnomia’, and the crushing ‘Exis’. I would not have minded a bit more drama, expression, and personality with respect to the vocals, but again, some of the tracks here are real keepers, the musicianship is great, and the LP feels very concise and menacing overall.  

Corpses and Ashes might not be outright essential or revelatory but is definitely worth a number of streams, so check it out if vicious black metal is your thing. This is quality stuff from the underground.