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By now, GOATS OF DOOM should require no introduction. Since their formation in 2008, they've remained one of the Finnish underground's best-kept secrets, largely because of a somewhat misleading moniker, but make no mistake: GOATS OF DOOM are 100% black metal through and through. Their stout catalog has seen the band develop from a synth-based style of black metal during their first three albums; then, with an expansion from a trio to quintet, GOATS OF DOOM truly began their ascent with 2018's Rukous, where an uptick in aggression melded with the mysterious atmosphere of old. Aligning with PURITY THROUGH FIRE in 2020 for Tie on hänen omilleen, GOATS OF DOOM finally seemed to have gotten their due or at least raised their profile - not for nothing, that, as Tie on hänen omilleen was arguably the band's most powerful 'n' poignant record to date. But, a year later came the eclipsing Shiva, where they unloaded anthem after anthem, proving that the metal can be kept firmly within black metal without sacrificing its mystical powers.

Following something of a respite - unusual for the band, given the feverish release rate at which they operated since 2015 - GOATS OF DOOM return refreshed and recharged with INRI. The Finns' seventh full-length thus far, INRI is a rather unique entry in their gem-laded catalog: initially beginning as a disarmingly raw affair, the album soon opens up into a bountiful feast of alternately asskicking / ethereal black METAL. GOATS OF DOOM unload the entirety of their arsenal here - charging-hard speed, Bathorian gallop, medieval triumph, and pagan hymnal, all with a pronounced emphasis on melancholic, distinctly Finnish melodicism - and really give rise to heroic heavy metal leads, which seem strangely out of character for cold & raw black metal, but their burning-hot touch eventually melts the ice and floods the heart with emotion or at least reflection. The cleaner, choir-style vocals also aid this lateral move, imbuing INRI with a soaring / ascending sensation - or, again, ethereal in many senses of the word - that's absolutely perfect for the album's unique production style. As ever, when GOATS OF DOOM wanna get going, they kick ass with the best of 'em and exude charisma every step of the way; it's just that they're here able to incorporate more acoustic passages without losing steam, which also goes for album's track sequence, closing out the latter third of it in epic fashion. Thus, INRI is yet another triumph of ANTHEMIC black metal heroism: bow before these GOATS of greatness!

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