With a sense of disbelief, the writer of these lines stared at the TV screen two decades ago when watching the clip for “The Secrets Of The Black Arts”, the title track of Swedish black metal act DARK FUNERAL's 1996 debut album. It's needless to say that after catching his breath, another soul had been successfully corrupted. The relentless, oppressive speed, the hysterical screams uttering an endless litany of blasphemies, the spine-chilling melodies, the flames, the blood, DARK FUNERAL had set new standards in terms of fury and extremity. Formed back in 1993 by Lord Ahriman and Blackmoon (R.I.P.) and releasing the classic self-titled MCD just a year later, it was “The Secrets Of The Black Arts” which quickly turned DARK FUNERAL into one of the leading acts of the second wave of black metal next to other legends such as Marduk, Emperor, and Darkthrone. In the ensueing yearsa string of truly merciless studio albums, worldwide tours, festival shows, and impressive live performances kept them not only in high demand on the live circuit but also resulted in a strong bond with a maniacal global fan-base, who supported them through thick and thin.
Approaching nearly 30 years since the beginning of their journey now, DARK FUNERAL continue to reach for new heights to bring audiences into its otherworldly & unholy visions on the band’s seventh full-length LP, ‘We Are The Apocalypse’. The new record, which was written almost entirely during the Coronavirus pandemic, sees the Satanic vanguards deliver their most aggressive and expansive songs to date. Guided by the fortitude and musical ambition of lead guitarist, songwriter & founding member Lord Ahriman, the new album promises a satisfying number of ‘firsts’ for the band, while still pushing to improve upon the aural marriage of sinister atmosphere and technical ferocity that distinguishes Dark Funeral amongst their peers.
