Metal Underground.com

“Beyond This World’s Illusion” is the second full-length album from Turkey’s The Sarcophagus, following a couple of EPs. Said recording is composed of dark, occult metal that brings to mind such bands as Lord Belial and Naglfar.

“Reign of Chaos” starts the album on a good note, but I hesitate to say the word “good” for a band that is so evil. The guitars are dramatic and melodic and the song is reminiscent of Naglfar. Much of the album follows this tremolo-picked formula, and while all the tracks have a connectivity, there is something different and unique about every one. The production is kind of soupy, which is often the case for black metal albums. The vocals are very throaty but understandable if given a close listen. While there is the occasional speed burst, especially in the drumming, there is a lot of medium tempos on display, or at least medium paces for black metal.

“Ain Sof,” (not sure about the language, but it probably is a phrase to conjure some unclean spirit), shows the band bring the tempo to a near stand-still. During these parts, Nahemoth - who also provides guitar and vocals 0 provides a simple-but-hammering beat that tends to stick out from the rest of the song. “The Profanity Rites” also features some melody in the guitar. There is an acoustic guitar part on “Triumphant Divine Terror,” but it has a strong dynamic back into heavier territories. Both of these songs’ melodies bring to mind Finland’s Lord Belial. “Armoured Death” shows the band really push the pace as one of the fastest tracks on the album.

The Sarcophagus is not doing anything out of the norm, in fact, the name isn’t even out of the ordinary as there are bands like Sarcófago and even Sarcophagus, but the band does this style well, so the album is worth the listen. Fans of the aforementioned groups should find the album to be an enjoyable listen. “Beyond This World’s Illusion” has a dualistic nature that makes it both scathing and melodic, and its good hearing something come out of Asia that brings a sound that could have easily been created in Scandinavia.