Review NECROFIER ‘Burning Shadows in the Southern Light’

Talking about Necrofier without mentioning Oceans Of Slumber is practically impossible, because after all three of the four band members have/had already been involved with the progressive metallers from Houston. Guitarist Semit Özerkan is an active member of Oceans Of Slumber and the same goes for Dobber Beverly. Moreover, Mat Aleman had already played with the band and thus singer and guitarist Christian Larson is the only member with a musical past in solely other bands.

However, Necrofier works in a different musical realm than Oceans Of Slumber. Melodic black metal is what you get to hear and what the guys deliver is convincing with good quality. Significantly involved in the black charisma is Larson, who lays a foundation stone for the sound of Necrofier with his screeching voice.

Musically the four-piece offers a good mixture of fast tracks like ‘To the Wolves’, but also dark atmospheric sounds, like on ‘On Wings of Death We Burn the Sky’, find some space on ‘Burning Shadows in the Southern Light’. The latter song fascinates with an almost hypnotic beat, which is to be understood in a positive way.

Also more traditional metal elements are incorporated. Just listen to ‘Whispers That Burn in the Dark’ and the built-in guitar melodies.

What also strengthens the album is a good and organic sound for which Joel Hamilton was responsible. The album was recorded at Studio G in Brooklyn with a vintage Neve front end and a host of Telefunken, all leading to a non-sterile sound.

Thematically, Necrofier is not about Satan per se. Rather, it is the subliminal evil, the occult and psychedelic themes that are reflected in the lyrics.

‘Burning Shadows in the Southern Light’ has become a multifaceted and at the same time straight-forward record. Off the beaten path of black metal, the guys have found their own niche. This album is exciting and offers blackened entertainment on a high level.