Hailing from Finland, the well-known dark entity SATANIC WARMASTER unleashes its eighth studio album, “Drachenkreuz” (transl. “The Dragon’s Cross”). The offering is out today via Werewolf Records (www.werewolf.fi) on CD, vinyl, and cassette.The album was independently produced by Werwolf, who founded SATANIC WARMASTER in 1998. The album’s artwork was crafted by Jarkko Koponen.
“Drachenkreuz” stems directly from the recording sessions for one of the band’s previous releases, “Aamongandr” (2022). At the time, Werwolf was working with the idea of recording two albums simultaneously, but he later completed the material that became “Drachenkreuz” with a different approach. As a result, the new record can be regarded as a kind of companion album to “Aamongandr”.
While 2024’s “Exultation of Cruelty” explored a more primitive and old-school direction, “Drachenkreuz” sees SATANIC WARMASTER expand its familiar second-wave black metal foundations through a wider range of influences. The album moves between different stylistic territories, incorporating elements of Norsecore and early bestial black metal while allowing each composition to develop its own identity.
These contrasting approaches ultimately contribute to a cohesive yet varied atmosphere throughout the record. The album’s range is especially noticeable in its guitar work and vocal arrangements. Tracks such as “Rex Typhonis” and the title song “The Dragon’s Cross” feature prominent lead guitar passages, while “Infernal Armageddon” and “Christrape” introduce forceful, battle-inspired backing vocals. On the other hand, “Nosferatu’s Land” reinforces the album’s darker, more decayed atmosphere, reflecting the bleak imagery associated with the band’s vision. In terms of production, “Drachenkreuz” seeks to combine the raw, uncompromising character of black metal with the more eerie dungeon-like atmosphere. This approach gives the album an underground, almost archaic sonic quality.
Tracklist:
1.Rex Typhonis 02:41
2.Nosferatu’s Land 06:32
3.Battlewolves 05:50
4.Holocaust… In Medieval Darkness 05:31
5.Infernal Armageddon 03:31
6.Christrape 03:41
7.The Dragon’s Cross 05:46
8.Winds of Eternal War 06:20
Delve into the offering below:
Ancient flame, quietly burning through the shadows. Devoted to black metal and the Dark Arts since the late 90’s. https://linktr.ee/paulafazlich
