Walpurgis Rites – Hexenwahn
Belphegor · 2009
39 min · 9 tracks · black metal
A relentless onslaught of dark symphonic melodies intertwined with guttural riffs and haunting atmospheres.
Top tracks — play these first
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Veneratio Diaboli - I Am Sin — This track exemplifies Belphegor's signature blend of ferocity and melodic intricacy, featuring intense vocals that embody the album's dark themes. The complex song structure keeps listeners engaged while showcasing technical prowess.
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Hail the New Flesh — This song stands out with its aggressive tempo and haunting chorus, reflecting the band's ability to merge brutality with atmosphere. The lyrical content critiques societal norms through a visceral lens.
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Reichswehr in Blood — With its driving rhythms and anthemic chorus, this track captures the essence of war-themed narratives present throughout the album. The instrumentation is both punishing and compelling, making it a highlight.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines aggressive metal with symphonic elements, showcasing strong craftsmanship and distinctiveness within its genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that features rapid drumming and layered guitar riffs, setting a relentless pace.
- Each song typically includes multiple tempo shifts, alternating between blast beats and slower, more atmospheric sections.
- Several tracks incorporate orchestral elements, adding a symphonic layer that contrasts with the aggressive instrumentation.
- The final track concludes with an extended outro that fades into ambient sounds, creating a haunting finish.
- 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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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady, consistent energy levels
- dark, immersive listening sessions
- haunting atmospheric focus
- dynamic emotional journeys
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Walpurgis Rites – Hexenwahn' was released in 2009, Belphegor had established themselves as a prominent force in the black and death metal scene. This album marked their seventh studio release and followed the critically acclaimed 'Bondage Goat Zombie', showcasing their continued evolution in sound and thematic exploration.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Behemoth· Decapitated· Immortal
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Walpurgis Rites 3:09
- 2 Veneratio Diaboli - I Am Sin 7:02
- 3 Hail the New Flesh 5:33
- 4 Reichswehr in Blood 4:36
- 5 The Crosses Made of Bone 4:26
- 6 Der Geistertreiber 3:41
- 7 Destroyer Hekate 3:37
- 8 Enthralled Toxic Sabbat 4:33
- 9 Hexenwahn - Totenkult 2:44
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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