Barshasketh began 18 years ago in New Zealand and somehow ended up in Edinburgh, Scotland. With Antinomian Asceticism, they now deliver their fifth full-length album. Despite all of this, this is actually my first encounter with these guys—but that certainly doesn’t take away from the experience. This is their second release on the German label World Terror Committee, which, besides the regular CD edition, has also put out a stunning LP version of the album.
I’ve now started a catch-up race to dive into the band’s previous releases, aiming to get a better understanding of how their 2025 output compares to past years. So, what can you expect? Raw, relentless black metal with occasional atmospheric touches through the use of keyboards. Damn, this is good.
Stylistically, the band clearly showcases its roots in the ‘90s, and that’s absolutely a good thing. The compositions are solid and varied, the production is raw in just the right way, and there’s never a dull moment. From straightforward aggression to chaotic moments where the music twists and turns in all directions, this album sounds like a bulldozer through a church wall. From start to finish, it’s a menacing rollercoaster that locks you in your seat and hurls G-forces straight at your face.
With Antinomian Asceticism, Barshasketh has delivered an outstanding album that will definitely land on my year-end list—at least for now, because 2025 is shaping up to be something special. The frustration is real. Hopefully, the band will make the journey across to mainland Europe this year and bring this beast of an album to the stage.
90/100
Barschsketh:
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World Terror Committee:
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