ARCHAIC OATH – DETERMINED TO DEATH AND BEYOND

The opening moments of 'Above the Ice' unfold with a mysterious and haunting atmosphere-howling winds and a distant, pained scream draw the listener in before giving way to a classic second-wave black metal assault. Throaty vocals, marching drum patterns, and a dense, distorted wall of sound quickly take hold. As the track progresses, clear echoes of bands like DISSECTION begin to surface, lending the song a familiar yet compelling edge. Altogether, it serves as a strong and evocative introduction to the album. 'Wrath of the Witches' opens with a dark and aggressive yet intriguing passage, where relentless blast beats collide with a striking melodic riff. The vocals exude raw hostility, shifting between venomous snarls and piercing screams, enhanced by a well-placed reverb that deepens the track’s ominous atmosphere. Throughout the song, subtle samples emerge, adding an epic and forward-driving quality that further intensifies the composition and enriches its overall impact.'Requiem for a Doomed Soul' offers the listener a rare moment to exhale. Tender, beautifully played clean guitar lines drift gently forward, drawing the listener in like a calming wind after a storm. A subtle melancholy runs throughout the piece, giving it an introspective and quietly haunting character. 

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Pronounced tempo shifts and atmospheric ambient passages define 'Abysmal Ascent' across much of its runtime. Subtle choir elements in the background, breathy and whispered spoken-word sections, and riffs that at times evoke a sense of epic scope and forward momentum give the track a rich, multi-layered dynamic. The eerie and well-placed vocal delivery further completes the composition. What is particularly striking is that this depth and density of sound is achieved by a duo-where one might easily expect a full band at work. With 'Path of Penitence', the band shifts toward a more DISSECTION-influenced direction, standing out with its driving mid-tempo pace and propulsive drumming. The track is built on a dense, melodic foundation, where constant guitar riffs and galloping rhythms create an expansive, at times even epic, atmosphere. Harsh vocal screams add a layer of menace, while recurring spoken-word passages drip with a sense of regret and introspection. The bass is also more pronounced here, reinforcing the composition with added depth. Around the three-minute mark, the arrangement takes an even darker and more ominous turn, further intensifying the track’s unsettling character. 

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The album concludes with a special choice for a closer: a cover of EMPEROR’s 'Ye Entrancemperium', originally featured on the 1997 classic "Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk". The rendition captures much of the original’s intensity while staying true to the band’s own sonic identity. Its raw and authentic production once again reinforces the album’s strong old-school black metal spirit. While it’s impossible to fully recreate the exact sound of the ’90s in today’s production landscape, the band delivers a convincing and respectful homage. Subtle nuances still manage to shine through the dense, earthy mix, adding further depth to an already powerful closing statement.

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With "Determined to Death and Beyond", ARCHAIC OATH delivers a dark and compelling homage to classic blackened death metal, infused with atmosphere, melody, and a clear sense of purpose. While rooted firmly in old-school traditions, the album manages to feel both authentic and engaging, carried by strong songwriting and a cohesive vision. A promising and convincing statement from a project that clearly knows its craft.

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SCORE 9/10

Reviewed by Swampy