Necrowretch’s ‘Swords of Dajjal’ Marks a New Era in Black Death Metal

Necrowretch, a well-known extreme metal band, hails from Valence in the Rhône-Alpes region of France. The band was formed in 2008 by guitarist Vlad, who created a unique style of “sadistic-gravecracking-possessed death metal.” Their success in the underground music scene quickly followed. Blastphemator joined as the drummer shortly after the band’s formation, and together they recorded their first demo, ‘Rising from Purulence’ (2009) after only three practices. In 2010, Amphycion joined after being impressed by their live performance and contributed to their second demo, ‘Necrollections’ (2010)¹.

Their career took off when they released their first EP, ‘Putrefactive Infestation,’ (2011) on 12” vinyl. The EP featured four tracks that solidified their aggressive and uncompromising sound. They followed up with a compilation album called ‘Ripping Souls of Sinners’ (2011) and a second EP titled ‘Now You’re in Hell’ (2012) which included a cover of Death’s ‘Zombie Ritual.’ Blastphemator’s departure in 2011 was the band’s first significant lineup change, citing a lack of motivation.

Necrowretch’s music is a captivating blend of high-energy rhythms, fierce guitar work, and an ominous atmosphere that evokes a sense of foreboding. This distinctive sound is a means of artistic expression and an exploration of universal themes deeply embedded in the human psyche. The band’s lyrics often delve into topics such as death, the occult, and blasphemy, which some may find unsettling. However, they actually serve as a reflection of society’s fears, taboos, and existential inquiries. By crafting intricate narratives through their music and lyrics, Necrowretch encourages listeners to confront the darker aspects of the human experience, engaging in a cultural dialogue that transcends mere entertainment.

The visual components of Necrowretch’s art, including their album covers and on-stage persona, are fundamental in elevating their cultural impact. The band employs gothic, morbid, and strange artwork to complement their musical concepts. However, this visual approach goes beyond pure aesthetics; it also carries significant symbolic significance. Necrowretch uses historical, religious, and cultural symbols to establish a visual language that is both intricate and highly expressive. The interplay between sound and visuals in Necrowretch’s art aims to produce a fully immersive artistic experience that stimulates both the senses and the intellect, evoking both instinctive reactions and reflective contemplation.

The status of Necrowretch within the extreme metal subculture presents a unique opportunity to examine the intricacies of subcultural identity and community. Their music and distinctive style embody a rebellious and cohesive subcultural identity. This provides a space for individuals to navigate the complexities of cultural and social inclusion. Fans and followers of Necrowretch engage in a cultural practice that goes beyond simply consuming music, encompassing unique modes of dress, language, and behavior. This phenomenon underscores the importance of Necrowretch as not only musicians but also cultural agents who contribute to forming and reinforcing subcultural identities.

On February 6th, 2012, Necrowretch achieved a significant musical career milestone by collaborating with Century Media Records. This partnership proved immensely beneficial, helping the band gain wider recognition. Following this collaboration, Necrowretch wasted no time and began recording their debut studio album, ‘Putrid Death Sorcery,’ in August of the same year. The album featured the exceptional talent of session drummer Mörkk and was released on January 28th, 2013. ‘Putrid Death Sorcery’ reflected the band’s raw energy and polished production skills. Despite the departure of touring drummer K Desecrator in mid-2013, Necrowretch persevered and released the ‘Bestial Rites 2009–2012’ compilation album, a comprehensive collection of their earlier works.

The addition of Ilmar Marti Uibo to the band as their new drummer brought about significant progress and development. Uibo’s contribution had a noticeable impact on the band’s growth, which played a crucial role in the creation of their second studio album, ‘With Serpents Scourge.’ The album was released on February 16th, 2015, and during this time, the band participated in prominent festivals such as Hellfest in June of that year. Their captivating performances at the festival further cemented their reputation and standing. Prior to the release of their second album, the band released an EP titled ‘Even Death May Die’ in October of 2014. This EP served as a bridge between their first and second albums and provided a glimpse into the band’s evolving artistic style. This release saw the band venturing into even darker lyrical themes and more complex musical arrangements, demonstrating their growth as musicians and songwriters.

In 2017, Necrowretch reached a noteworthy accomplishment in their musical journey when they launched their third full-length album, ‘Satanic Slavery,’ with the backing of Century Media Records. The album represented a high point in their creative evolution, as they skillfully blended death metal and black metal styles to produce a distinctive and captivating sound.

The band’s album release marked a pivotal moment, as it coincided with Amphycion’s departure in August and the subsequent formation of a new partnership with Season of Mist. This transition was a significant milestone, not only because of the change in record labels but also because it represented the band’s continued growth in terms of sound and style. The album titled ‘Satanic Slavery’ showcased the band’s unwavering commitment to innovation in their genre, pushing the boundaries of their musical expression and demonstrating their ability to adapt and evolve.

The band’s unrelenting dedication to challenging the boundaries of music resulted in the release of ‘The Ones From Hell’ in February 2020. The band’s album, ‘The Ones from Hell, was released on February 14th, 2020, under Season of Mist, marking a new chapter in their career with a different record label. ‘The Ones from Hell’ continued to push the boundaries of their sound, incorporating a broader range of influences while preserving the intensity and ferocity that Necrowretch is known for.

Necrowretch’s ‘Swords of Dajjal’ was released on February 2 via Season of Mist.

A decade ago, the band arose amidst the resurgence of classic death metal, paying homage to its fundamental tones and ominous motifs. Their latest album, ‘Swords of Dajjal,’ released on February 2nd, 2024, proves that they are not mere followers of this movement but rather architects of an even more extensive and diabolical mode of artistic communication. This metamorphosis represents a significant departure towards authentic black metal, which has garnered significant recognition among aficionados.

The album has been heralded by Black Metal Terror as a monumental stride towards the core of true black metal, describing Necrowretch’s journey as one propelled by “furious momentum.” The publication lauds the album as a fitting soundtrack to the “fabled days of world end,” highlighting its thematic depth and auditory prowess in encapsulating the essence of apocalyptic prophecy. This accolade underscores the album’s reception as a landmark achievement within the metal community, further celebrated through the release of a new video that delves into one of the album’s more profound tracks.

Necrowretch truly showcases their musical prowess through their track ‘Vae Victus.’ The combination of ceaseless blast beats, captivating melodic distortion, and commanding riffs paint vivid imagery of an apocalyptic world overrun by chaos and destruction. Vlad’s insightful commentary on the track draws intriguing parallels between the historical sack of Rome in 390 BC and contemporary themes of power, survival, and the inherent ruthlessness in seeking to become a king. These historical and existential layers add significant depth to the album’s overarching message.

‘Swords of Dajjal’ is an album with a rich and varied tracklist that covers a wide array of themes and styles, offering a diverse collection of audio experiences. It explores apocalyptic prophecy and historical power, and spans a duration of 37 minutes and 27 seconds. The album pays homage to the pioneers of death and black metal, while also venturing into new and uncharted sonic and conceptual territories.

The album ‘Swords of Dajjal’ is classified as belonging to the blackened death metal genre. It is highly recommended for fans of influential bands such as Possessed, Dark Angel, Dissection, Necrophobic, and Merciless. This places Necrowretch as part of a lineage of artists who have defined the genre and as a symbol of the future evolution of metal music. The combination of traditional respect and forward-thinking advancement highlights the band’s significant impact on the genre. As such, ‘Swords of Dajjal’ represents a crucial juncture in the ongoing narrative of death and black metal.