Album review: LIGHTNING SWORDS OF DEATH – Baphometic Chaosium

March 5th, 2013 by Yiannis

Metal Blade – Out Now.

When you are a member of a band whose first ever worldwide tour has been in support of Glen Danzig, your subsequent tour experiences involve bands such as Kreator, Behemoth and you enjoy the financial support of a label such as Metal Blade then there should be no doubt in your mind that you are in a very privileged position.

Though many fellow-journalists were fast in praising Lightning Swords of Death and their innovative spirit and technical skills, 2010s full length “The Extra Dimensional Wound” did not manage to justify the hype for me – still, I remained open minded and in anticipation of more material from the five Californians. Two years later, the band is ready to release its third studio effort entitled “Baphometic Chaosium” while I, on the other hand, am ready to see if these lads will manage to score higher in my appreciation this time round.

Sadly “Baphometic Chaosium” continues exactly where its predecessor left off. Riffs are heavy and meaty but are often repetitive, Autarch’s vocals are clever and intimidating but often out of place, while Mike Vega’s drumming is intense and technically challenging but often over the top and uncontrollable resulting in the rhythmical structures of the songs on offer being mortally undermined.

One a more positive note, there are some really interesting background keyboard themes which create a feeling of eeriness throughout the album and quite a few individual guitar performances are truly inspiring, incorporating elements of Death and Black Metal in equal measure.

The Death (band) influences bass lines of the opening same-titled track “Baphometic Chaosium” made quite a positive impression on me but soon after the first section of the follow-up “Acid Gate” was completed, I kind of knew that this would not continue for much longer. Though I loved the groovy main riff of “Psychic Waters”, the song is quite monotonous and predictable while I cannot see the reasoning behind placing a two minute instrumental composition such as “Cloven Shields” as a follow up.

My hopes were again raised by the heavy Doom-laden beast entitled “Chained To Decay” only to be dashed again by the structurally insane “R’ Lyeh Wuurm”. Fans of latter-day Satyricon will feel really at home with “Epicularium” – a song which is reminiscent of the mighty Norwegians both in terms of feel and execution, while the closing anthem “Oaken Chrysalis” has a few interesting moments but it is sadly fairly directionless.

Lightning Swords Of Death are what one could describe as an unusual band, the kind of outfit that is meant to divide audiences and operate as an ‘acquired taste’. In my particular case, my reaction to the music seems to suggest that I am on the wrong side of the fence but that does not mean that all fans of extreme Metal will agree with me.

“Baphometic Chaosium” will soon be unleashed upon mankind and, as far as the fans of Lightning Swords Of Death are concerned, it will be a must- have – does that apply to you?

John Stefanis

Rating: *** (3.0/5.0)

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 22 October 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)