Arghoslent

U.S.-based Arghoslent has preached words of hate since the early '90s. Their brand of cruel death/black metal has appeared on a large number of 7" EPs, LPs, full length and demo recordings through such underground labels as Drakkar, Horror Records, Hell Flame and Moribund. Arghoslent has a strong following in the U.S.B.M. and N.S.B.M. scenes and for a good reason.

Arghoslent plays a brand of thrashing death metal reminiscent of the Czech group, Krabathor, especially the speed metal riffs on "In Coffles They Were Led" and "Manacled Freightage." "Swill of the Knives" shows guitarists Pogrom (Grand Belial’s Key) and Holocausto switch to a blackened guitar style. This track, like many of the tracks, features a catchy change up. Creeping guitar lines and an audible bass bring in this part.

The music takes on a heroic, epic slant on tracks like "The Nubian Archer" and "Oracle of the Malefic Rhizome," which fits well with the group’s tales of ancient battles. The album’s final tracks, the title track and "The Grenadier" show the group step further into thrash territories with galloping rhythms and string work that recalls German thrash titans, Destruction.

The group changes tempo and style enough to keep the music dynamic and memorable, even throwing in their share of melodies. Ulfhedinn keeps the pace with speed that is not exceptionally fast for today’s standards, but where they he lacks in speed he makes up in sound; his drums have a thunderous sound. Ufhedinn also handles vocal duties with a strong death metal growl without the guttural and speedy garble.

Arghoslent is a shamefully underrated and under covered extreme act from the United States. One of the main reasons for their lack of coverage is their racial views. While "Hornets of the Pogrom" does not contain the N word, their lyrics include ancient tales that paint the black race as a savage brood. Older literature is rife with similar ideas, and quite often the modern literature professor/teacher has to explain how those were the prevailing ideas of the times. Arghoslent seems to revel in these beliefs.

Just like the National Socialistic black metal bands, Arghoslent’s musicianship is superb and the racial views are not in your face. For those who identify with NSBM ideologies and those that can overlook their views and purely focus on their music, Arghoslent’s "Hornets of the Pogrom" is a great listen.