Review by Jeger on June 19, 2025.

When it comes to the art of Symphonic Black Metal, I hold firm to the notion that contemporary SBM done in the vein of modern day Dimmu Borgir is garbage. Now, "For All Tid" and "Stormblåst" era Borgir? I'm all over it. Somewhere along the line, Borgir and bands like Septicflesh have come to the conclusion that Symphonic BM is supposed to be an abomination of what it once was: sanitary in product and gaudily grandiose, like music to sound the onset of apocalypse, as opposed to the artistry, the earthiness and the elegance of the art in its early form. I'm of the mind that the symphony elements of the music belong in the backdrop; gently and majestically enriching the experience. Otherwise it's just masturbation comparable to some kind of Ridley Scott abomination of film where CGI-realized battle scenes and Dragons are the main focal points. However, some SBM bands out there still get it, still believe in the sub-genre as something that should remain as pure and as traditional as true BM. Chile's Inquisitors Of Darkness is one of those bands. IOD formed in 2018 and on May 9, they independently released a fine record in "Kingdom Of The Sightless God".

The very first element of the recording that stands out for me is production quality. Nicely done: cushioned and sensible. And the symphonic tones are sounding right, and feel like they are right where they need to be; in service of the music, not overpowering it all. Each nicely segmented composition uncovers something unique, whether it be a chilling spoken-word passage or an unforeseen ambush of blast-beats and tremolos. Rhythm is the highlight for yours truly. Vjort delivers an engaging percussive contribution that spans over a number of varying techniques, but it's the finesse of it that really impresses me. He knows just what each track needs and he provides it with the tact of a Master Tradesman. This is evident most during the following track, "Where None Returns", as he alternates between mellow double-bass currents and more pronounced cadences. Fluid as a piston in motion. Expert drum programming in action. Erstwhile vocalist, Grindor, puts on a gutturals clinic: fiendish screams and Daemonic bellows that often make a most harmonious impact.

Judging by the song titles alone, "Kingdom Of The Sightless God" appears to be a concept album; one of the Diabolical Fantasy variety. Each track is like a piece to a story being told - a chapter - each one building towards an epic conclusion. "In The Name Of The Light" - a battle! The cries of a thousand warriors echoing through the sound of iron against iron, steel against steel in this most adventurous album cut. As it closes, during its final captivating moments, it's to a sweet and bountiful series of melodies. Just a couple of guitar solos never hurt anyone… Some parts of the record just scream for one of those fists clenched, eyes closed, uber melodic leads. This buildup and refrain during the album's most exciting moments leaves you with a sense of incompleteness. This has been the only drawback thus far.

The scourge awaits! An epic tale, a journey of an album. With "Kingdom Of The Sightless God", Inquisitors Of Darkness deliver a balanced, substantial Symphonic Black Metal experience, and they do it without all of the flamboyancy that constitutes today's SBM. They do it with a sense of class and of artistic maturity. There are a number of underground bands who've been making names for themselves by following the same creative path of refinement for epic Black Metal recording: Belnejoum and Bloody Valkyria come to mind. Inquisitors Of Darkness are in good company indeed. Black Metal for sword and for steed! For nights ablaze with the blackened energy of a legion of fallen Angels as they cast their destructive emanations o'er the land. A noble debut.

Rating: 8.3 out of 10