Metalcatto
We have a special one today. Hessian Firm sent us the physical album again, and though I’m later than a German train, Desolation Manifest by Execrari offers cosmic and Brogressive Black Metal. No, you actually read that right. This almost never happens, so I’m allowed to have some expectations for once. I just really hope by Prog the band doesn’t mean: “I play 20 minutes of the same riff.” Fingers crossed!
Oh wow. I honestly thought this would be nothing but unremarkable, but Desolation Manifest is pretty awesome. It’s Black Metal that dares to be different. It sounds like Blut Aus Nord without the psychedelic parts, only the grandeur and experimentation left intact. Honestly, I don’t get why more bands don’t try to do this. It’s sonic territory that remains unfamiliar but not absolutely unhinged. There’s a confidence in the songwriting here that suggests a band comfortable enough to take risks without losing themselves in pure chaos. The riffs build and unfold in ways that feel deliberate rather than random, creating an atmosphere that rewards repeated listening.
The production isn’t too loud or too rancid. It sits in that sweet spot where most stuff is decently recorded but not clean enough to be considered cute music. There’s a sense of epicness in Desolation Manifest that goes beyond what I’d consider conventional. The guitars layer well, the drums hit hard without overwhelming the mix, and the whole thing breathes in a way that many cosmic Black Metal albums fail to achieve. I had no clue who this guy was before this, but he has talents that obviously go beyond his 9 to 5. Assuming he’s employed, that is.
“Mom, look! I caught the Sun!”
I’m trying to think of something deplorable about Desolation Manifest, but it’s hard. However, there are moments that could push you to the edge. The clean vocals do tend to drift toward the awkward side of the force, landing in a space that might not work for everyone. Also, all the tracks are packed with riff after riff, and sometimes I did find myself wondering when a particular track was going to end. It’s a minor complaint in the grand scheme, but worth noting for those who prefer their Black Metal more streamlined.
Every year there are albums we’re bound to miss and then regret. Desolation Manifest is one of those for me. There was simply too much music in 2025 to get hold of this one in time. Well, now I did, and I’m nothing but satisfied by the product. I’m left wondering what the band will do next—probably disappear into obscurity for the next fifteen years, but one can dream, right? At least this one exists, and that’s enough for now.
Label: Hessian Firm
Release date: June 14, 2025
Website: https://execrari.bandcamp.com/album/desolation-manifest
Country: USA
Score: 4.0/5.0 (Yes, it’s pretty good!)
Metal Eclipse Reviews 