Released 10 years ago this November
In His Infernal Majesty's Service
Witchery · 2016
44 min · 13 tracks · black metal
A relentless assault of thrash and black metal, laced with occult themes and high-octane riffs.
Top tracks — play these first
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Nosferatu — This track exemplifies the album's horror-themed narrative, featuring haunting melodies paired with blistering guitar work that captures the essence of classic gothic horror.
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The Burning of Salem — With its historical reference to witch trials, this song combines powerful riffs and anthemic choruses, making it a standout commentary on persecution and fear.
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Escape from Dunwich Valley — This track stands out for its intricate arrangement and storytelling approach, invoking Lovecraftian imagery through both lyrics and musical composition.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines aggressive riffs with thematic depth, showcasing strong craftsmanship but limited broader influence.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast tempo, maintaining intensity through the first half before introducing slower, more atmospheric sections.
- Lyrical themes consistently revolve around occult and horror motifs, with each song presenting a distinct narrative or concept.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- relentless pacing with high energy
- occult themes for dark moods
- short tracks for quick bursts
- cathartic release through intensity
- headbanging anthems for gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer mellow, soothing sounds
- seek lengthy, immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on November 25, 2016, In His Infernal Majesty's Service is Witchery's sixth studio album, following their 2010 release, Witchkrieg. The band returned to the scene after a lengthy hiatus, showcasing a renewed vigor in their sound while maintaining their signature blend of black and thrash metal elements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dark Angel· Kreator· At the Gates
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Lavey-athan 3:20
- 2 Zoroast 2:34
- 3 Netherworld Emperor 3:03
- 4 Nosferatu 3:41
- 5 The Burning of Salem 4:23
- 6 Gilded Fang 2:31
- 7 Empty Tombs 4:13
- 8 In Warm Blood 3:48
- 9 Escape from Dunwich Valley 4:09
- 10 Feed the Gun 3:02
- 11 Oath Breaker 3:02
- 12 Eye for an Eye 3:48
- 13 Cloak and Dagger 2:55
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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