Hailing from Turku, Finland. Victimarum entered the scene in 2022 with their Finnish style steamroller black metal. Their 2023 demo(tape), simply called “demo 2023” showcased the raw potential with four raw, fast and aggressive songs. Building a strong fundament for what was about to come. A two song EP “Tyhjyyden roviolla” released in the same year expanded the sound somewhat, but the core sound remained, raw and fast (and full of hatred, as the band self proclaimed).
A hand full of shows (too bad for the rest of the world) in Finland and a drummer change later, the band is ready to unleash their first full lenghth “Seitsemän soihdun valossa” on the world through the Portuguese label Signal Rex.
We start of with a near minute intro/prelude “Alkusoitto” (prelude) which is very dark and good composed at it self, but for me the way it is set on the album with a fadeout and not really mixed into the first song it sounds out of place and adds nothing to the album (for me).
That said, next we dive headfirst in the first “real” track “Hovissa yön ruhtinaan” (At the court of the prince of the night) and first thing we notice is a slightly more “polished sound” still cold, aggressive and their signature steamroller sound. But the instruments seems more balanced then on the earlier releases.
On the third song “Tulenkantaja” (Firebringer) we get our first taste of the more deeper growls we also heard on the demo. This is a great addition to the overall sound, paired with some good riffs one of the highlights so far.
The title track “Seitsemän soihdun valossa” (By the light of seven torches) is the first midtempo track (in time still blistering blastbeats, don’t worry) with strong riffs and good melody lines. “Kuolemalle” (to death) feels exactly as the title suggests it is a battle hymn! I have no idea what the lyrics are about, but I feel like charging the battle field, axe weilding and all! Very good and catchy riffs on this track.
The six minute “Iäti vuoksesi” (Forever yours) dives into a more complex song writing, something continued onto the next track “Verimyrsky” (Bloodstorm).
Both more complex but still very aggressive making them both combined a twelve minute black metal sonic barrage on the sences.
What brings us to the “Välisoitto” (interlude), a very good written somewhat acoustic instrumental.
Which makes sense on the album but like the intro could be better mixed in with the final track.
And that final track: “Ilmestysten Kuningas” (King of Revelations) is a worthy closer to a very good debut album. It is showcasing the full spectrum of Victimarum’s range.
A song that makes you want to put the record on repeat, or make you want to turn the record over…
In short: “Victimarum –Seitsemän soihdun valossa” did not disappoint and is a very strong debut album from the Finnish band. Good well written songs paired with nice old school aesthetic artwork. A positive step up from the demo soundbut still the same fierce energy! Highly recommended! Hoping they are picked up soon by international bookers, so the rest of the world can witness them live on stage soon!
Kuolemalle!
85/100
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