Altars Ablaze

When it comes to extreme metal, words like “brutal” or “bestial” are often tossed around as euphemisms for “low effort.” Many releases promise an uncompromising degree of sonic destruction, but rarely follow through with ideas interesting and well-crafted enough to deliver on that promise. “Life Desecration”, the debut offering from Czechia’s ALTARS ABLAZE takes a nuclear sledgehammer to that trend. Forged by seasoned veterans of the Czech extreme metal scene, “Life Desecration” unleashes a flurry of blackened death carnage that concentrates enough concussive force to rival the most vicious of their more primitive antecedents. But this quintet sets itself apart by refusing to sacrifice compelling artistry in the pursuit of sonic savagery.

ALTARS ABLAZE’s mode of attack hearkens back to the finest moments of the infernal blasting death metal of the late 90s (embodied by the likes of ANGELCORPSE, HATE ETERNAL and DIABOLIC), blended with the most aggressive specimens of Nordic black metal, such as MARDUK, 1349 and SETHERIAL. But these are merely convenient points of reference. ALTARS ABLAZE are consummately unique in their interpretation of their style, with nuanced riffing and a command of dynamics, far exceeding those of any superficially comparable act.

A new EP, titled "Indiscriminate Extermination", will be released on 10 October 2025.