Anthropomantic is a newly-formed Bulgarian melodic black metal act – the solo black metal project of Boyan Sotirov, guitarist and vocalist of the Sofia-based death metal band Certain Demise. Anthropomancy refers to divination or fortune-telling using human entrails. It is a form of divination where the internal organs of a human being, typically a sacrificed individual, are examined to discern omens or predict the future.
The project’s debut full-length album bears the title “Blasphemous Decree”, a name that is far from arbitrary, subtly hinting at the core concept behind the work itself. In the RPG game Pathfinder, a “Blasphemous Decree” refers to an ability or effect related to demons, particularly within the context of the Demon Eidolon archetype for the Summoner class. It allows a character, or their eidolon, to cast a powerful, evil divine decree once per day. This decree is linked to a specific sin associated with a particular demon and can be a potent offensive ability. The album is a chronicle of the brutal persecution of the early Christians under the hand of emperor Nero.
The conceptual album opens with the track “Decree of Shadows” – a beautiful instrumental intro, steeped in a medieval, dreamlike atmosphere, like a summer afternoon reverie. Only to be swiftly extinguished by a raw black metal onslaught, driven by rapid-fire riffs, cold melodic lines and piercing, distorted demonic shrieks in the next song, “Domain, Inflamed”, dissolving in the air like a storm.
With the forward-driving power of melodic black metal instrumentation and occasional classic death metal references woven into the compositions-where Boyan’s death metal background clearly shines through- the nine spells on the album conjure a powerful synthesis of crushing weight, untainted intensity, and soaring melodic grandeur. It is a sonic tapestry where brutality meets elegance, and every note pulses with purpose, depth, and dark fascination.
The album captivates as a whole and flows effortlessly from beginning to end, with certain spells such as “Crimson Spectacle” and “Nocturne In The Gardens Grotesque” standing out through an especially intense and piercing vocal charge. This raw vocal energy contrasts sharply with the more methodical, cold guitar lines, creating an instant sense of dark enchantment. A dark enchantment that ends with a beautiful piano melodies, closing with the last notes of “Pyres Of Remembrance” and its haunting farewell.
Driven by enormous infernal energy and delving into the realms of a burning world, “Blasphemous Decree” sounds like a statement of unholy fury, raw force, melodic enigma and finesse. There is something truly compelling and mysterious in the record, like a vicious aura that lures you into the world of Anthropomantic’s dark fantasy.
Delve into “Blasphemous Decree” below:
“Blasphemous Decree” is out now on several physical
formats via Blasphemous Rumours Promotion. For a copy and
more information:
[email protected]
https://www.instagram.com/blasphemous.rumours.promotion
https://blasphemousrumours666.blogspot.com
https://blasphemousrumours.bandcamp.com.
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