Argesk - Moonlight Pyromancy

Argesk is a melodic black metal band from the UK who formed in 2017. Their latest release, “Moonlight Pyromancy,” is their second full-length album; they have also released a demo. 

“Moonlight Pyromancy,” is a ridiculously entertaining album—it’s fun as hell! Wait, what? Fun? Entertaining? I thought this was black metal! Make no mistake: it is definitely blackened to the core. But even black metal can be catchy and epic. The melodic nature of the album is layered and flows amongst the heavier elements with ease, making the album perfect for listening straight through or on a piecemeal basis.

I wouldn’t call this atmospheric per say, as in incorporating any outside the box elements or ambient pieces, and it doesn’t venture into post elements. This is straight up melodic black metal done the right way. The songs are still vicious with an up tempo, alongside black metal screams, death growls, and even cleans sprinkled here and there.  

I like the production and mix a lot; its warmth and vibrancy allows the melodies to shine through but the guitars have an appropriately balanced crunch to offset the lighter moments. The vocals are well placed among the other elements, another good decision because it helps the songs keep that black metal rawness.  

The intro track, “Invocation,” is actually quite engaging for a short instrumental. The melodies are bouncy and upbeat—it is good enough to be a stand alone song. The following song, “Servant of the Fire,” is the band at its full power: riff based when needed but following a structure that allows seamless transitions between melodic passage and more rigid destruction. 

“Black Castle Waltz,” is a potent example of their sound, especially the beginning with the impenetrable double bass pairing with the dancing keyboards. I like the quickness of the vocals, switching back and forth between blackened screams and bellowing death growls. This song is riff based, speedying in the beginning but the final minutes see the band pulling back on the tempo slightly to offer thicker guitars.

“Tempest,” is one of my favorites on the album. The keyboards are actually quite moving and the melodic bass fits right at home. It’s almost serene, at least until the song explodes into a cacophony of chaos. The clean keys sprinkle on top of the atmosphere, like drops of rain coming from a cloudy day. There is a touch of melancholy throughout the song as well, almost a plus for me.

The title track is a straight up banger. The drums are a powerhouse, pushing their way through the riffs before a piercing scream lets loose. The guitars are catchy as hell but the vocals are brutal–a sterling combination for sure. The final half of the song is imaginative and sweeping, the band at the epitome of the album’s sound.

For a band that came out of nowhere for me, Argesk and their “Moonlight Pyromancy” certainly has been a surprise and it’s going to be one with some staying power. Highly recommended. 

 Rating: Excellent