Infernal Stronghold “Godless Noise” LP/CD

New from Forcefield Records is "Godless Noise", the second full-length from Philadelphia's Infernal Stronghold (released on CD by the seemingly obscure KVN Records). I had never heard of this band before, but they've released several demos, a few splits, one EP, and the prior full-length since 2003. I'm sure there are many purists who would point fingers and frown "false" upon this band, but fuck that, 'cause long hair is overrated and corpsepaint is goofy anyway. Even though there's a song called "Crashing Trucks Into Churches" here, this shit is completely ripping black metal that totally nails the overall vibe that I prefer from the genre, with 10 relentless tracks in less than 27 minutes. They've got a perfectly rugged recording that's neither easy on the ears nor overly abrasive, which lends itself perfectly to their hyperactive approach—where sparse thrash-tinged breaks and frenetic arrangements unload frenzied tremolo picking and crawling dissonance aplenty, thus making for riffing similarities to old Darkthrone and Gorgoroth (among others). I, for one, see no reason to complain about such a thing! The atmosphere is there, as is the furious energy, and therefore, the songwriting quality, so... I'm sold. This is great shit, and I look forward to hearing more.

Infernal Stronghold "Destruction of Life... Unworthy of Life"

I swallow the land and the oceans, the skies and the stars, I consume what's near and what's far. I swallow your faith and regurgitate distortion, triggering flashbacks of pain, leaving you emotionally broken. Unleashing purest rage directed at your ancient scripture, tear the books page from page, forcefully taking away the crutches from man. Unspiritual land, unblessed water, unoccupied skies, in their true form. Despite the death of your king, the sky stands still.

Forcefield Records (LP)
Forcefield Records (CD)