Υear: 2020
Time: 01:21:15
Label:  Debemur Morti Productions

When we talk about Bestial Death/Black Metal or War Metal, as many prefer to call it, surely under the great bands BLASPHEMY and BEHERIT, are the satanic masters ARCHGOAT, who are one of the most beloved and respected bands in the underground scene. ARCHGOAT was formed in 1989 but until today they have released only four full length albums, with some EPs and splits in between. The reason for this is that, while they were recording their debut album back in 1993, they disagreed with Necropolis Records, their label then, about the contract terms. So, they decided not to release the album and disappear. But fortunately for all of us in 2004 they decided to return and spill their evil satanic poison upon the masses.

So, being now in 2020, ARCHGOAT celebrate their 30 years of existence by releasing a new live album entitled “Black Mass XXX”. The show was recorded during Debemur Morti Productions “Servants of Chaos” in France in September of 2019. “Black Mass XXX” contains 27 songs of satanic War Metal and covers ARCHGOAT’s entire discography, from their first demo in 1991 to their latest record “The Luciferian Crown” of 2018. The live performance begins with “Intro: Ripping the Wings” and in the first five songs, ARCHGOAT open the gates of the abyss with compositions from their legendary demo “Jesus Spawn” and 1993’s “Angelcunt (Tales of Desecration)” EP. The sound is huge with a continuous aggressive tone and rhythm. The growling vocals by Lord Angelslayer and the blistering drumming by Goat Aggressor are the highlights of the performance.

The slaughter continues with compositions from the albums “Whore Of Bethlehem” and “The Light-Devouring Darkness”, such as “Dawn Of The Black Light”, “Lord Of The Void”, “Goat And The Moon”, “Apotheosis Of Lucifer”. ARCHGOAT’s setlist follows exactly the chronological order of their records and their performance confirms the cataclysmic reputation that characterizes their live shows. So, after “Blessed Vulva” and “Day Of Clouds” from 2011’s “Heavenly Vulva (Christ’s Last Rites) EP, three of ARCHGOAT’s most imposing and emblematic songs follow, from the amazing album “The Apocalyptic Triumphator”, which was released in 2015.

I am talking about “Nuns, Cunts And Darkness”, “The Apocalyptic Triumphator” and “Grand Luciferian Theophany” songs. The tension is hot as hell, something you realized from the crowd’s reactions (you can hear it during the songs) on ARCHGOAT’s anthems. The live performance is slowly coming to an end as the setlist has now reached the last ARCHGOAT album, “The Luciferian Crown”, from which, with the songs “Intrantation”, “Jesus Christ Father Of Lies”, “Messiah Of Pigs” and “Darkness Has Returned” the evil trio from Finland closes their satanic ritual.

“Black Mass XXX” is an hour and a half long live recording, includes the best songs from every ARCHGOAT’s album and captures their devastating live performance with a massive sound. I would prefer if “Black Mass XXX” was released as a package with a DVD or Blu-Ray. Beside this, the live album is a good choice for someone who wants to have a “best of” by ARCHGOAT in his collection.

Rating: N/A
Editor: Nikos Manousis
Related Link: ARCHGOAT – Facebook Page