Deiphago: Satan Alpha Omega (2012)

Deiphago: A Fancy Term for Holy Communion

Are they still calling this "war metal," or is it supposed to be "bestial black metal" now?

Either way, Deiphago fully embrace all the clichés. Ridiculously fast and raw? Check. Uncompromisingly aggressive? Check. Over-the-top, blasphemous, slightly funny song titles with made-up words? Check. Songs you can't really tell apart? Check. Sub-par production? Check. Awesome? Check.


It's black metal played at double-time and double-ugly, in homage to Sarcófago, and it's exactly the kind of thing you expect on Hells Headbangers. It's also the quality you expect from the label, i.e., you won't be disappointed. There's enough off-kilter soloing (e.g., "Heretic Oath") and the occasional slower tempo (e.g., the title track) to keep it interesting, no matter how primitive the approach. This is only the Filipino band's third full-length, but they are 20+ year veterans. Given the style they play and the production they prefer, it still sounds like a debut, which, honestly, is how something like this should sound.

Still, despite the fact you can hear the bass, the production is even muddier than most bands of this ilk. I understand that's how all Deiphago's releases sound. It will prove a barrier to some, and makes it almost impossible to really dig into it. But that's not the point. If you couldn't already figure that out, this is not for you.

The Verdict: 3.5 out of 5 stars



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