Grand Belial’s Key is one of the more recognizable bands
from the overcrowded USBM “scene” and a favourite of mine. Influenced by punk,
speed metal, death metal, traditional metal and doom yet forever shrouded in a
blasphemous black metal atmosphere, Grand Belial’s Key truly forged a sound
that they could call their own, especially when it came time to unleash their
debut album, “Mocking the Philanthropist”.
The album has a very dark and occult feel to it, mostly due
to a very “natural” sounding recording. Although the production is a bit
“amateurish” when compared to their later works, everything sounds heavy and
full of tone with the guitars and drums especially packing a punch. The riffs
are melodic yet beefy and have a bit of a “punk” drive to them in parts while
the lead work is tasteful and accentuates the rhythm parts nicely. The bass is
there, but doesn’t have a huge presence, just doing its thing and holding the
songs together. The drumming, provided by The Black Lourde of Crucifixion is
very unique (albeit a bit sloppy at times), in that he uses the whole kit and
provides a solid sense of rhythm that is not often seen in underground metal. The
Black Lourde… also provides vocals, which sound much deeper in pitch and
raspier than one usually associates with black metal, making them, like his
drumming, rather unique in this genre of music. Keyboards and organs
occasionally pop up as well, adding a nice touch and some extra dimension to
the music.
Lyrically, GBK can be compared to bands such as Profanatica,
in that the focus is on perversion, blasphemy and a general hatred of all
things religious. The lyrics are also well-written, which makes for a change
when compared to other bands that use similar themes yet come across as
immature or childish.
While GBK’s later two full lengths would turn out better, you
really can’t go wrong with their debut as a solid introduction to their works
and a classic album in itself, full of great songs and catchy, headbanging moments. No other band, past or present, sounds like Grand Belial's Key.
Highlights:
Foul Parody of the Lord's Supper
Shemhamforash
The Slums of Jerusalem
Castrate the Redeemer
The Holocaust Trumpeter
Final Rating:
8.0/10 Awesome (not as great as their next two albums, but still a classic)
