Unholy Crusade
Lord Belial · 1999
54 min · 10 tracks · black metal
A relentless barrage of dark riffs and haunting melodies envelops the listener in an atmosphere of dread and despair.
Top tracks — play these first
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Unholy Crusade — The title track exemplifies the album's blend of aggression and melody, showcasing both furious instrumentation and evocative lyrics that define the band's thematic approach.
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Death Is the Gate: Mors iannua vitae — This lengthy track stands out for its progressive structure, combining atmospheric interludes with intense passages, illustrating Lord Belial's ability to create a narrative through music.
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Bleed on the Cross — This track delivers a potent mix of speed and brutality, effectively capturing the raw energy that characterizes much of Lord Belial's work while addressing themes of sacrifice.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively combines dark riffs and atmospheric elements, creating a cohesive and immersive experience.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of tremolo-picked guitar riffs layered with atmospheric keyboards, creating a dense soundscape throughout.
- Tracks often shift abruptly between fast-paced sections and slower, more melodic passages, enhancing the sense of chaos and despair.
- Several songs incorporate haunting vocal harmonies that contrast with the harsh growls, adding depth to the overall atmosphere.
- The final track extends over eight minutes, gradually building in intensity before fading out, which emphasizes the album's thematic closure.
- 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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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Summon the Legions 1:08
- 2 Unholy Crusade 3:47
- 3 War of Hate 6:33
- 4 Lord of Evil Spirits 4:37
- 5 Death Is the Gate: Mors iannua vitae 10:15
- 6 Bleed on the Cross 2:58
- 7 Divide et impera 8:13
- 8 Master of Destruction 4:27
- 9 Night Divine 3:41
- 10 And Heaven Eternally Burns (Realm of a Thousand Burning Souls, Part II) 8:16
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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