Hazeroth – Charms Of Sin review

Brazil’s Hazeroth has returned with their most powerful release yet, the full length, Charms of sin. This black metal band has been pounding out solid tracks since 2001, but Charms of sin has taken the band from rough hewn artistry to a polished brilliance.

Hazeroth hasn’t declared Charms of sin as being a concept album, but thematically the release carries a common focus; how sin pulls mankind into the depths.

Charms of sin opens with “Entering the presence”. An unusual track in many ways as sound effects audibly recount mankinds descent from Eden. Songbirds open the song, then a slippery slither is heard, the crunch of teeth sinking into an apple. Followed by a cacophony of noise with shots, sirens and screams, before the tones of decidedly prog rock background deliver the lyrical message: 

Forgive me, Lord!
There is forgiveness with you.
Forgive me, Lord!
So that you may be feared.

Some common themes are carried through the release. A plea to God for help “King of the Nations”,  “Tremble of Those Who Perish”.  

Struggling against sin finds a place in two of the key tracks. “Diabolus” with Satan’s attempts to pervert God’s creation. The title track “Charms of sin” tells of a dialogue between man and God.

Out of the depths I cry to you, o Lord!
Let your ears be attentive to my cry
No one will stand before you, o Lord!
Among ones who dedicate to do evil things

Why have you rejected me, oh my creation?
Sin has corrupted you completely.

Charms of sin!
Charms of sin!

While “Outrage” and “Flame of the Battle in Hazeroth” explore the struggles created by sin, begging for forgiveness (“I Surrender to Holiness”) allows us to find God’s deliverance (“This Is Our God”).

He snatched me from the darkness and gave me his forgiveness.
Rescued the rot of sin.
This is our God! This is our God!
Removed my distress and gave me peace
Treated my wounds and took my pains.
This is our God! This is our God!

 The album closes with the uplifting “All Honor”,  with it’s hymn of praise to God.

All honor
All glory
All power to you
Holy father we worship you
precious Jesus our savior

By forgoing their native Portuguese in favour of English on Charms of sin, Hazeroth is destined to expand their fan base into a broader world. Lacking an inherent ability in English does hinder Hazeroth’s lyrical content to a small degree with it’s simplistic terminology. However the album’s intent remains true as Charms of sin has created a distinct perspective on sin and it’s effect on our souls.

Hazeroth is:
Marcelo Ledes – Bass
Estevan Anderle – Drums and voices
Warley Cardoso – Vocal
Thiago Bernardo – Guitar