Avmakt - Satanic Inversion Of....

Avmakt received the approval of Fenriz and signed with Peaceville Records. These are big and glorious things for a Norwegian Black Metal band, and they deserve them very much because Satanic Inversion Of.... is a very good album. Christoffer Bråthen and Kristian Valbo are not well known names in extreme metal, but they have been involved in some good (not Black Metal) bands, notably Obliteration, Aura Noir and Black Magic.

Satanic Inversion Of.... was manufactured the authentic and traditional way, through years of rehearsing together and refining their ideas and structures as opposed to the modern techniques, of Dropbox and email. There is a live and tangible feeling that rises here, above its raw and nostalgic Norwegian sound and vibe. When was the last time you heard an album (not just Black Metal) with most its songs opening with guitar feedback?

Satanic Inversion Of.... is cold and raw and you can feel the emotion in every note, it is exciting. While early Darkthrone comparisons can be made, and a little Bathory here and there, the songwriting bleeds authenticity because Avmakt are doing what they want to, and it is strangely unique for modern Black Metal. It sounds like this was recorded in the Helvete basement post the 2024 fire.

The attention to detail separates the good from the great, and Avmakt has honed in on the detail. The guitar feedback, the exquisite solo on “Poison Reveal,” the smile inducing vocal mannerisms, and the subtle but killer drum rolls. These things add up and elevate it from the many average releases and bands. These are moments that build character within the album, and also encourage repeat listens.

Opener, “Ordinance,” bends and weaves around frantic drumming, which drives the varying pace and momentum of the song. “Ordinance” is a masterclass in writing effective Black Metal, specifically the transition at 2:10, it is a dark statement with similarly grim vocals. The solo in “Poison Reveal” at 1:51 appears from nowhere, deep within the mix and dripping with Bathory. I love the vocal performance here too, oozing Satan at every turn.

“Sharpening Blades of Cynicism” drops back in pace and has a sneaky edge of groove to the riff, it is so very cool. There is character everywhere here, and Avmakt just don't care if it isn't squeaky clean, because they understand that Black Metal was built from such foundations of imperfections. “Towing Oblivion” is relentless, the pace is electric; where is the pace in Black Metal nowadays?

Every second of Satanic Inversion Of.... is thoroughly enjoyable and equally evil sounding. The Sabbath paced opening of “Charred” builds and builds across its 7 minutes into something unrecognisable. Closer, “Doubt and the Void,” follows a similar early structure, with throbbing guitar and patient drumming, all of it evoking evil spirits. The terror is on show here, you wait for it, and wait for it, and nothing seemingly changes, but everything is changing around you. An utterly glorious guitar moment comes at 2:30, opening the gates slowly, as things begin to rise and fall at the same time. The thunderous drums in the last 90 seconds may actually be the highlight of the whole album - incredible!

After several listens, Satanic Inversion Of.... is also very catchy. The guitar riffs are memorable in ways that only the great bands can achieve, they have an effortless quality, but I can guarantee that Avmakt bled for this. I want more albums like Satanic Inversion Of…., but I also don't want more albums like this, because they are more special when they emerge from the hordes of polish.

Amazing album! Straight into the Rolling Ten of 2024!