Deogen - The Graves and Ghosts of Yore

Deogen is a black metal band from the United States who hit the scene in 2020 with their first full length album, “The Endless Black Shadows of Abyss.”  Their latest release is their second full-length album “The Graves and Ghosts of Yore.”

Spoiler alert:  This is now one of my favorite black metal albums of the year.  I want to start this review by praising the production because it sounds flat out amazing, especially for black metal.  It’s over produced or too clean but it’s very, very balanced so the mix shines just as much.  I don’t know if I’ve heard a better sounding album in the genre this year than this one. 

I suppose their sound could be described as atmospheric or even symphonic, but I don’t think that paints the entire picture here, with the exception of the opening instrumental song “Pernicious Prayer.”  Those elements, while definitely there, are more subtle than anything and are used very smartly.  This is still riff based, with a solid foundation as opposed to being floatier.

The flow is optimal: I’m not sure if there is an overall theme but the songs don’t feel like a random collection thrown together either. Each song has its place in the overall album, each song complimenting the one before and after it. 

“By Torchlight,” is a prime example of this.  It doesn’t carry the same structure as the opening song yet feels like it belongs to carry on that instrumental’s majestic melody.  Of course, this one has abrasive blackened screams and drums that hammer into oblivion.  It’s balanced between its own melody and aggressive speed but still has time to throw in catchy passages and keys that are infectious, more than most music of this style usually is. 

I like the moody interpretations of “Nightfall Premonition.”  The riffs are very slick and well written, each second moving on to the next without sounding rushed or convoluted.  The middle passage leans heavily into the band’s atmospheric elements; the bass works well here, just melodic enough without compromising the band’s heavier foundations. 

“Clawing Into Sphere and Sun,” is epic without being contrite.  The opening melodies mixed with the massive, blackened screams is a fantastic combination that hits hard.  The clean keys overlay with the faster paced riffs, a nice effect that adds a new dimension to the band without compromising the song’s direction.   The song ramps up the aggression as it goes, ending in a fadeout into the abyss.

With the last song, “Echoes of Eternity, “being a simple outro, “Spectral Winds Rise” is really the last banger of the album—and one of its best songs.  I like the intro; it takes about thirty seconds to build up before it explodes.  Swift, violent, and zeroed in, this song races through by combining all the best elements of the album for one final battle.  It is a bit theatrical in terms of how it approaches its keys but remains urgent and energetic throughout. 

“Celestial Clear Moonlit,” is one of those albums that can be enjoyed from beginning to end or just pressing play on a random song—the quality is always there no matter where your listened session begins or ends.  Highly Recommended.

Rating: Excellent