Sidious, the black metal maniacs from the United Kingdom, come back swinging with “Malefic Necropolis”, sounding like a band that knows exactly who they are and doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone. This is their fourth full-length, and it feels like the next logical step, after “Blackest Insurrection”. Sharper, meaner and way more confident, the album proves that old-school, no-nonsense black metal can still sound dangerous as hell, when it’s done by people who get it. Right from the start, the vibe is filthy and hostile. A creepy, death-soaked intro pulls you in before the whole thing erupts into blast beats and savage riffing. The guitars slice through the mix with clarity but still hit hard, switching between fast patterns and eerie melodies that somehow stay stuck in your head. The bass actually matters here, smashing the low end with authority, while the drums go full berserk, pounding nonstop and pushing everything forward. Vocally, “Malefic Necropolis” is pure poison. The main vocals are harsh, hateful and dominant, but what really keeps things interesting is the variety. Chants, spoken parts and storytelling moments give the album a ritual, almost occult feel without killing the flow. The interludes are used smartly too, adding atmosphere instead of padding things out. You can hear the spirit of classic UK black metal in there, but Sidious never sound like they’re copying anyone. They twist those influences into something personal and vicious. No tricks, no polish, no bullshit. Just raw, aggressive black metal with strong songs and killer arrangements. If you want black metal in its purest, ugliest and most unforgiving form, this one is absolutely for you!
♦ 8,5/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
