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Hailing from San Antonio, TX, Hordes of the Morning Star deliver a re-recording and physical release of their debut full-length, originally a digital-only offering from 2010. With full-production and epic sound-quality, Consummatum Est is a solid statement of razor-sharp black metal with a death metal edge.
Hordes features Ryan, aka R, better known as the sole member of doom powerhouse The Howling Void. While Hordes’ music is certainly faster, and perhaps, one could say, more technical (at least in terms of tempo changes and frenzied guitar licks), R’s epic production values shine through, creating a sonic wave of blackness that eliminates any shred of light in its path.
“Illuminate” kicks things off with a frenzied, chaotic whirlwind of intense blast beats and heavy arpeggiation, setting the tone for what follows. “Ashes” has a bit of a doom flavor, even when the drums get faster, and “Holocaust” blazes like an asbestos-fueled torch. “Altar” successfully blends a Scandinavian black metal vibe with a heavy, blackened death metal Absu-like torso that ends on a doom note. And, “Cut My Throat and Bury Me” is an insistent, plodding march to death.
Ultimately, Consummatum Est is an excellent debut from a band that displays an extremely promising future. What follows should be quite impressive indeed.
