Baptism – Grim arts of melancholy (2LP)

BAPTISM is known as one of the most reliable Finnish black metal acts with it´s instantly recognizable. yet deeply
traditional. sort of puritanical “Eliterian” musical worship and esotericism. Referencing both older metal and a newly
awakened purpose for a more extreme form of Luciferian art. BAPTISM´s work is always more than mere music – it´s a
theistic black metal ceremony. As it is. “Grim Arts of Melancholy” stands as a natural continuation of the work BAPTISM
initiated in the 90´s. Sargofagian´s articulated vocals unveil mysteries of a blackest nature in the foreground of a deeply
darkened. almost insane. mostly mid-paced riffscape. which seems this time to have kept to a minimum the use of
beautiful counterpointing of melodies. Old-school thrashing parts are captured amidst songs in their flight across
godless depths. yet return to obscurity as soon as the listener is awakened from the morbid trance of a mid-paced
minor key hammering. For most of the time the whole album sounds like one single extended ceremonial track
dedicated to Azazel or some other force whose name is unknown to mankind. It achieves this atmosphere without using
standard tricks such as extremely lo-fi production; in fact. this one probably has the clearest and most dynamic
production BAPTISM ever had. It serves it´s purpose here to highlight the nature of the album as a sort of antisymphony.
a prayer. a clear vision of doom. The messages of BAPTISM´s “Grim Arts” are serious prophecies. not
entertaining background music!

Gatefold sleeve, inside jackets are printed with credits and lyrics. All 1st press artwork and lyrics are included, but in slightly revised layout. Front cover was re-scanned in its original color tone and more depth and detail can be experienced.
Recorded & mixed under the eye of lord Sathanas August 2007 A.B. Ritual area was Kuopio, Finland.
D-bonus side “Hell” was recorded and mixed in dungeons of hate in painful summer 2008.
Live ritual tracks recorded at the “Mustan Auringon Messu” 08/08/08.