Review NECROFIER “Transcend Into Oblivion”

Necrofier is a band from Houston, Texas. Founded in 2018, the outfit has already released two albums, with the third effort leaving the realm of darkness this February. The new album is called “Transcend Into Oblivion”, and it marks the next step for the band.

“Transcend Into Oblivion” is the first album to be released via Metal Blade Records, and while the line-up remains unchanged, the approach to the songs is slightly different. However, Necrofier do not change genres. The four-piece plays black metal, fusing it with thrash metal elements and incorporating doom-driven moments. What is different, however, is the approach of clustering songs into chapters. “Fires of the Apocalypse, Light My Path”, “Servants of Darkness, Guide My Way” and “Horn of Destruction, Lift My Blade” are the titles of an overarching song construct. Each section features three songs, while two acoustic interludes connect the elements.

These interludes provide a welcome distraction from the overarching blast. “Transcend Into Oblivion” is a sinister album that stares at you with an evil grin. What one can expect from this album is Bakka’s blood-curdling screams and the atmospheric parts that deliver density and musical frenzy. Songs such as “Fires of the Apocalypse, Light My Path Part III” are ferocious black metal tracks featuring blistering speed and atmospheric moments. The influence of Scandinavian trailblazers like Dissection is clear when listening to the first chapter of the album, combined with the madness of bands like Watain.

“Transcend Into Oblivion” impresses with its immense power and gloomy energy. At the same time, except for the interludes, Necrofier sticks to one main pattern throughout. Although you are fascinated by the blackened spirit of the album, there are no specific cornerstones to which you can relate. The album is more like an endless flow of hellish lava from which you cannot escape. However, it is not much more than this.

“Transcend Into Oblivion” is an album that spreads an evil fascination from start to finish. The tracklist is presented in an interesting way, but there is too much repetition, which unnecessarily lengthens the album. Fans of Scandinavian-influenced black metal from the USA should check out the album.