Vulgaris‘ new, second album “Seat of the Fire” is a release sure to leave you awe struck and banging your head. The release blends various metal subgenres, including black metal, sludge, thrash and death metal, creating a rich and atmospheric soundscape. The concept of this creation revolves around the Greek myth of Prometheus, who returns to find humanity has wrongfully used his gift of fire, leading to a tale of wrath and vengeance. As I personally am a very big fan of bands who weave even a bit of mythology into their thematics, I can definitely say I appreciate Vulgaris’ version of the ancient myth, as they took a tale so timeless and made it into a wonderfully served taste of black metal … The opening instrumental, “Lyomenos”, sets a haunting tone with its eerie ambiance, leading seamlessly into the powerful “Black Gold Baptism”, which showcases Vulgaris’ ability to merge heavy riffs with dark, melodic undertones. Tracks like “Swarm” and “Asphyxiation”, my personal favorites, highlight the band’s ability to shift seamlessly between tempos and styles, maintaining a dynamic energy throughout. “Prometheus Rise” stands out as a particularly gorgeous track, with its blend of aggressive guitar work and profound lyrical content, reflecting the wrathful return of Prometheus who needs to seek revenge. The album’s title track, “Seat of the Fire”, serves as a fittingly intense conclusion, encapsulating the album’s themes of destruction and vengeance with a powerful and climactic finish. This album is a gorgeous and dark tale come to life and has been one of my favorites of the genre.
♦ 10/10
Christina X
