Amateur Night at the Satanic Circle

Ibex Angel Order are a heavy metal band from the Netherlands. They are a reboot of the band Funeral Goat, which was a byproduct of Sauron (a band, not the Dark Lord of Mordor). This lineage is what makes the amateurish quality of I, the first album by Ibex Angel Order, so head-scratching. The record is not unlistenable, but it actually sounds like it was recorded hastily in the band’s practice space. The music itself is also unpolished – parts jammed together, repetitive songwriting, and a lack of riff-craft that is almost unforgivable.

In the band’s defense, it is just two guys. They kick up quite a full-sounding, raw storm of ominous metal, but the level of quality displayed on I is hard to take seriously. It has been 18 years since the formation of Sauron, and Ibex Angel Order still sound like the opening band at a dive bar. What is at work here? Is it difficult circumstances? Complacency? Lack of Talent? …Laziness? Musicians this experienced should be capable of a better product, even with limited time and resources. To wit, the kick drum. Once you actually pick it out in the mix, it is difficult to un-hear. It has a weak, unfocused, whoomphing quality, and its poor integration into the mix reveals its imprecision on many uncomfortable occasions.

There are some positive qualities to be enjoyed. Certain songs, like “Unbegotten Father” and “Serpent of Assiah” accelerate into satisfyingly intense, blackened roars. The chanting interludes and general ambience certainly say “dark incantation.” At least Ibex Angel Order know how to set the mood!

But that’s not enough. The monotony of the album is wearying. Abrasax (sometimes Abraxas) certainly gets treated to a full mythology, but the individual paeans and legends pass by like so much demented yelling. These songs offer little in the way of emotional arc, and as a result, the album follows suit.

If I was novel in some way, it might enjoy more leeway. But the two man band has been taken to incredible heights by groups like Wolves in the Throne Room, Lightning Bolt, Hella, Om, Skagos and many others… pairings who possess undeniable chemistry and a signature sound. In terms of similar-sounding metal, Lightning Swords of Death are not spectacular, but at least their Baphometic rituals sound professional. Polish band Preludium’s Redemption album is similar to I, but the former’s superior riffs, tighter performances and cleaner recording quality make it a far more interesting listen.

I does not do enough to overcome its nature as a sloppy, one-dimensional album. There is some genre hopping and blending, but nothing innovative. The guitar riffs generally fail to intoxicate or endure. As for the guy yelling about a mythical creature whose seductive nefariousness and stupefying power breed a reaction of fascinated horror – nobody in metal has ever tried that one before! If – even with powerful, eldritch forces behind them – this is Ibex Angel Order’s best effort, woe be unto Abrasax, and woe be unto them.