The Brazilian band Castrivenian has only been around since 2024, yet in that short time they’ve already released two demos and a split — and now, a full-length album. With *Reborn From The Ashes*, we’re immediately catapulted back to the 1990s: think Burzum, Darkthrone, and Satanic Warmaster, but with a distinctly South American twist.
The album features nine tracks, two of which are instrumental, and in just under 35 minutes it completely storms over you — hard, furious, and above all, 100% pure Black Metal. The influences of the aforementioned bands are clearly audible, especially in the icy riffs and repetitive structures, yet Castrivenian manages to inject enough of their own identity to avoid sounding like a simple copy.
The production is raw and gritty — exactly as it should be in this genre — but still clear enough to let the intensity and atmosphere shine through. The drums sound primitive and pounding, the guitars slice like rusty blades, and the shrieking vocals seem to come straight from an underground crypt.
What truly makes Reborn From The Ashes so convincing is the genuine passion and conviction that seep through every track. Castrivenian channels the spirit of early Scandinavian black metal, yet with a fiery South American energy that gives the music its own distinct character.
One thing that does stand out negatively, however, is the constant fading out of the songs. It would have been better to craft proper endings — in some cases it feels as if the track could have continued, but instead it simply fades away. Perhaps something to reconsider for the next release.
Conclusion: Reborn From The Ashes is fierce, ’90s-inspired black metal that bursts aggressively from the speakers. Available on CD via Signal Rex and on tape through WP&RO’s Productions — definitely worth checking out.
75/100
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