Spells ov Torment - Patriarch ov Hell
In some fictional works, The Patriarch of Hell refers to a Satan or demonic like figure that manipulates religions. For the Australian band, Spells ov Torment, we hear the rapture in all its glory on the mini album, Patriarch ov Hell. Satan’s manipulation of Christianity is five tracks of true and original Black Metal. You literally hear Satan and his followers burn the archangels, trumpets snuffed, the invasion and the devastation, and the story ends where Lucifer ascends to where he belongs.
Spells ov Torment is Matt Priso (SIK, Intrafear, Conspiracy X) and Drugoth (Drugoth, Deathorde). Kyle Schmidt (Tauremorna) joins the duo this time, providing leads and solos and Hellgoat provides guest vocals on “Unholy Purification.” Hellgoat appeared on the band’s Unholy release in 2023 and the Black Mass of Purification split.
Patriarch ov Hell is uncompromising in its approach. A quick study of the incredible artwork by Matt himself will not reveal any differing meanings or agendas. Spells ov Torment are here to unleash hell, and you can hear the flames and the cries of anguish and the trumpets turning to ash all over it. Spells ov Torment is Matt’s salute to the pioneers of Black Metal: Bathory and Venom. Not many bands can capture the essence of that period without coming across as losers, but Spells ov Torment do it remarkably well, and it sounds authentic and true.
Patriarch ov Hell opens with “Obliteration,” and the introduction is the sounds of the depths of hell. This is the limbo where the fathers will meet their fate. The riffs come at you with devastating effect, the bowels of hell are flowing and Matt channels Lucifer with anguished vocals. He sounds like something has betrayed him, and that something is on the cross in flames. Drugoth is one of the finest extreme metal drummers around today, and he is not flashy or fancy, but he has the ability to change up a section when the riff does not change - he never sounds like he is chasing the riff. His drumming often sounds like a riff of its own - Drugoth is also very good with the cymbals, and there is dexterity all over Patriarch ov Hell. Kyle Schmidt has two amazing solos on “Obliteration” and “Desecration,” and they are a fine example of solos being used to perfection in Black Metal.
Matt Priso mixes and masters his music, and he has become very good at it. Patriarch ov Hell is evidence of his skills here. The mixing is perfect for this style of music, everything is where it needs to be when it needs to be there, but it is Matt’s mastering that shines here. Not only does the additional samples and touches add the right atmosphere, but it sounds vibrant and organic. There is depth, and if you put the time into the listening experience then you can hear that Matt puts genuine into this element.
“Invasion” is a fast thrashy track, with a hint of very early Metallica. I really enjoy the vocal phrasing of Matt here, where he sings “Angels Frantic, Dead to Christ.” It is small touches like that which are important on a shorter album (26 minutes). Pacing is also crucial, and is often where musicians show their inability to craft a song properly. Matt and Drugoth manage this with skill. “Devastation” opens with an ominous stomp, it is a warrior’s stance of a song with more of a second wave tremolo assault, and the opening of “Unholy Purification” also provides some respite. Drugoth’s drumming is also varied and he knows when to take a back seat, which is not attributed to the mix. This all makes the listening experience an interesting one.
A good storyteller leaves the consumer on the edge of their seat until the end, and Spells ov Torment do that here. The final track, “Desecration” is a dead set killer! The atmosphere and the riffs and the lyrics are superb. The main riff on “Desecration” will not be conquered in 2025 - it is that good and catchy, and just blatantly tough as nails.
I have reviewed a lot of Matt and Drugoth’s releases over the last couple of years, and they keep getting better and better. However, this might just be my favourite. It captures everything that great Black Metal should be: Satan, fire, attitude, authenticity, song craft and a damn interesting story.
Killer!!