INFERNAL ANGELS – As the First Blood Fell…

Infernal Angels are never short on ideas—and it shows. Since 2014, every three years has brought the announcement of a new record, each one consistently stepping things up. Shrine of Black Fire, their previous full-length, had already hinted at a stylistic evolution in motion since the early days, shaped by frequent lineup (and ideological) changes.

 

At the center of it all stands XeS, mastermind and the project’s sole original member, who has always steered the band with a steady hand, keeping things firmly on course. And it’s with this latest effort, As the First Blood Fell, that his vision truly hits its mark. Sure, judging a book by its cover is never wise—but even at a glance, this release signals further progression. Compared to the previous release, both form and substance remain largely intact: abyssal, direct, occult black metal. However, the inclusion of two expert collaborators—Omega of Darvaza and Adramelech of Czech veterans Inferno (boasting over 30 years of experience)—pushes the end result to an even higher level of refinement.

 

Opening track Blood Calice ov Lilith makes that immediately clear: dark, oppressive, ritualistic atmospheres balanced with relentless drumming and guitar work that shifts between dissonance and melody. The growled vocals blend seamlessly with the instrumentation, while Apsychos and Nekroshadow deliver standout guitar performances. The formula holds strong on the following Rex Mortis, which treads similar ground, whereas Apotheosis – Manifest ov Black Light marks the first extended piece, clocking in at over ten minutes and featuring the album’s first guest appearance. Here, the dynamics shift noticeably: a doom-laden opening gives way to sheer aggression, before Omega’s piercing screams take center stage—adding not just atmosphere but a cutting edge over Postmortem’s relentless blast beats. Apophis – Chaos and Death is another standout, particularly for its mid-track solos, while Adorned in Fire follows the established blueprint with solid execution. Closing the album is As One with the Void, made even more evocative by Adramelech’s presence, whose vocals inject an added layer of abyssal, almost sacred darkness. You can feel the difference: XeS’s growls are sharp and commanding, but when Inferno’s frontman steps in, the atmosphere becomes even more sinister, spectral, and cohesively woven into the whole. The compositional threads remain consistent throughout, flowing smoothly and bringing the album to a fitting close.

 

Once again, Infernal Angels deliver. As the First Blood Fell… stands as another step forward—an uncompromising work driven by a clear intent to evolve, reinforcing an identity that is increasingly defined, cohesive, and deeply rooted in the most esoteric currents of contemporary black metal. As for what comes next, expectations are already running high—and for good reason.