White Snake Of Blackened Maze – By The Rivers Of Heresy (LP, Petrichor) Review | Atmospheric Black Metal Ritualism

⛤ Black Metal, Avantgarde, Atmospheric Black Metal | 22.00 € (Mint)
⛤ Pulse Rating: 8.5 / 10

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By The Rivers Of Heresy feels like discovering a forbidden ritual mid-chant. White Snake Of Blackened Maze arrive as a mystery, but this debut LP shows a fully formed vision: sweeping atmospheres, cinematic arrangements, and a black metal heart full of emotion, myth, and shadow. It’s both ancient and futuristic — a sonic maze carved in stone and starlight.

“The King” sets the tone immediately. Ambient keys drift like fog, ritualistic drums march forward, and spoken-word passages build tension. When the tremolo riffs finally break through, they feel earned — like stepping into sacred territory that was never meant to be entered. The band favors storytelling over chaos, giving each escalation a dramatic purpose.

Tracks such as “Arise” and “Distrust Thy Teacher” merge raw second-wave influences with atmospheric and avantgarde touches. There’s clear DNA from Darkthrone, Burzum, and Mayhem here, but the piano flourishes, acoustic passages, and deep synth layers push the album into its own distinctive world. It honors tradition but refuses to be trapped by it.

The record shines most in its sense of scale. Acoustic breaks, layered guitars, and ritual rhythms give the music a narrative weight — every track feels like a chapter. “The Preacher Of Nihil” and “Smash The Law” show the project’s emotional depth: melancholic, slow-burning, and atmospheric without losing intensity. Even with raspy or whispered vocals, the emotional core is unmistakable.

The black-and-white merge vinyl pressing fits the album’s occult aura perfectly. As a debut, it's shockingly confident — cinematic, haunting, and full of personality. Ideal for collectors, late-night ritual listening, or anyone exploring the stranger paths of atmospheric black metal.

Tracklist:
Side I
A1. The King
A2. Distrust Thy Teacher
A3. Faith And Denial
A4. Smash The Law

Side II
B1. Shadow March
B2. Arise
B3. Prayer At The Ruins
B4. The Preacher Of Nihil
B5. Heretic Confessions (Heresikon)

Credits:
Wirogl – Vocals, Lyrics
Wesdor – Guitars, Keyboards, Bass, Drums

Recorded & Mixed by White Snake Of Blackened Maze
Mastered by Wesdor

Links:
Bandcamp * Facebook * Instagram * YouTube
🔥 For fans of: Rotting Christ • Summoning • Wolves In The Throne Room • Bal-Sagoth • Limbonic Art
💀 Label: Petrichor Records




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