When referencing the very early days of black metal, inevitably legends like Bathory, Celtic Frost, Hellhammer, Mortuary Drape, and others of that ilk will enter the conversation. Alas, many of those innovators are no longer with us, but groups like Negative Plane, Funeral Presence, and others have kept that original wicked spirit alive. Spirit Possession, a project spearheaded by Ulthar bassist/co-vocalist Steve Peacock (guitarist and vocalist here) and Ashley Spungin (drums and synths), showed astounding proficiency with their demo in 2020, and further evolved on their debut self-titled full-length that same year. The pivotal second album is upon us in Of the Sign…, and this duo commands further attention.
Spirit Possession offers up a hypnotic, early days black metal meets speed metal vibe, with healthy doses of psychedelic rock with the distortion turned way up. Big hooks, fierce shouts/screams, and an indelible catchiness are commonplace. No time is wasted with the blazing “Orthodox Weapons” in all its fretboard wizardry. The pacing flies all over the map, yet kept in focus by mesmerizingly crunchy guitar work and varying vocal affronts that move from raging screams to demonic wails. Embracing a stoner metal aesthetic is “Second Possession,” while never losing ferocity due to smartly layered vocals and crashing drum fills. Title track “Of the Sign…” is a synth instrumental (with a mind-altering solo) that bridges nicely with the vicious blackened romp that is “Inhale the Hovering Keys.” This thing has more hooks than Peter Pan’s arch nemesis, and backs them up with unstoppable breakneck riffing.
Admittedly, too many interludes close together on an album can be an arduous pet peeve of this writer. However, “The Hex” thankfully doesn’t fall into said trap, with a spacey synth haze that is menacing as it is surprisingly timely. Quickly moving forward is “Practitioners of Power” and its aptly vintage occult rock croon, while “Hierarchal Skin” bows to the altar of a gargantuan Pentagram-esque riff. Ambition is abound in the lengthy “Enter the Golden Sign,” highlighted by Peacock’s most dynamic guitar tracks on offer and Spungin’s varied clinic of thumping beats and time changes. Don’t forget those savagely echoing vocal bellows, of which are oozing with sleaze in the best way.
Along with obvious quality instrumentation and songwriting dexterity, the vintage production gives Of the Sign… its aura. Enveloped with a mid-80s fuzziness, Spirit Possession’s sound is classic while carrying a modern twist in spots to avoid being a total throwback. Connoisseurs of the style should be enthralled with Colin Marston’s mix, of which deserves unreserved praise. Also never one to dismiss cover art, the piece by Luciana Lupe Vasconcelos looks to be an artistic take of a fireball smoldering a kneeing demon’s face. If the music needed a visual representation, there it is.
If one prefers their black metal overflowing with analog soundscapes, drenched in wretched entanglements of rhythmic primeval intensity, Of the Sign… is at your ghastly call. Spirit Possession has brewed a cauldron of evil magic their forefathers would be proud of, resulting in a 42 minute whirlwind of stellar licks and memorable songs that will take permanent residence in your psyche. Good luck not playing this one on repeat until the turntable breaks.