Judas Iscariot – ‘Heaven in Flames’ CD

‘Heaven in Flames’ is a 7-track album that showcases Judas Iscariot’s ability to craft relentless, lo-fi compositions that echo the raw spirit of traditional black metal. The album spans a spectrum of harsh, frostbitten soundscapes, from the blistering assault of ‘An Eternal Kingdom of Fire’ to the grim, atmospheric dirge of ‘An Ancient Starry Sky.’ The album’s title track is actually called ‘Gaze Upon Heaven in Flames,’ and it is a testament to the project’s commitment to creating unyieldingly bleak and aggressive music.

Project mastermind Andrew Harris, who performed under the pseudonym Akhenaten, delivers a caustic vocal performance throughout the album, his raspy shrieks and growls enhancing the overall grim atmosphere. His guitar work, while maintaining the genre’s traditional tremolo-picked riffs, also explores dissonant territories, adding to the overall sense of unease. His drum programming provides a relentless rhythmic backdrop for his bleak and aggressive compositions.

With ‘Heaven in Flames,’ Judas Iscariot delivered one of the best examples of black metal from the United States. The album’s blend of raw riffs, caustic vocals, and lo-fi production creates a cold and atmospheric sound that is influenced by Norwegian black metal legends like Darkthrone and Immortal²³. For those seeking a black metal album that captures the genre’s dark and nihilistic spirit, ‘Heaven in Flames’ is a compelling and essential listen.