Azaryahu: Seed Ov God |

The Symphony of the Extreme

(2024 – Konasblod Records)

It is sometimes believed that Black Metal is incompatible with Christian ideas and messages, and opinions vary on this point. For this reason, many prefer to call this genre (Un)Black Metal, as a way of separating the issues. We mention this merely as an introduction, as we are not interested in discussing these issues. The important thing is that we have in our hands a more than interesting work by this group called Azaryahu, which, as you can imagine, is dedicated to the most extreme form of metal, and at the same time, their lyrics and message are Christian and direct, unlike most of the genre.
To tell the truth, Azaryahu is more than a band, it is a project of only two people. One of them is none other than Premnath, a member of the well-known band Slechtvalk. On the other hand, we have Melancton Samengalef, a Brazilian musician with experience in bands such as Cerimonial Sacred, Nadarkhani, Ceifador, among others. The combination of the two is quite a challenge, especially considering their experience and past.

The combination of Premnath and Melancton Samengalef has resulted in “Seed Ov God,” a work heavily influenced by the aforementioned bands but with a more “symphonic” intention, so to speak. It’s a kind of twist on the extreme genre, which, although not too far removed from what both have already attempted in their other projects, is worth listening to and checking out. This album was released in 2022, although our physical copy indicates 2024, and it is numbered, so we understand that it may be a limited edition.
Just as there is Progressive Metal or Power Metal, I understand that when extreme music pushes those boundaries, it comes to be considered symphonic Black Metal. Well, there are actually more labels, but we use them to give an idea of what we’re talking about. Azaryahu seems to revolve around songs and themes with a lot of melody, harmony, and compositions that oscillate between a dark, spiritual, and introspective atmosphere.
The first track doesn’t warrant much comment. “Intro” is self-explanatory, and as its title suggests, it introduces us to the album’s first real track, “In Humility,” a kind of extreme tear that, far from throwing in blast beats at the speed of light, indulges in a kind of Doom Metal adorned with everything that the atmosphere of Black Metal implies, even with a calm bridge of pure clean vocals.
“In Thy Light” is the next track. Closer to the martial atmosphere that Slechtvalk’s style emphasizes in his music, it even features a symphonic background and some well-placed guitar riffs that distance it from the typical extreme stereotype. There is also a certain influence of traditional Heavy Metal in its foundations, which is worth noting. With “Adversary,” we find a mid-tempo piece, darker than what Azaryahu has accustomed us to, using different stylistic, sound, and instrumental resources, resulting in a fierce and strange atmosphere. The guitar bases that orchestrate in the background give it the warrior-like and extreme framework that is needed for the occasion.
With “Yom Hadin,” things seem to fall into place on the more classic and traditional side of Black Metal, in a kind of intense and fierce march. Even so, Azaryahu’s music does not stop there. There is always room for different sounds and a different perspective on extreme music. This is the case with the instrumental “Whispers,” a piece that is melancholic, dark, and ambient, and very well done indeed.
It may not seem very original to name a song after the band, but that is exactly what happens with “Azaryahu,” one of the best moments on the album, by the way. Its beginning with a rather spiritual prayer kicks off a high-caliber, unmissable instrumental.
“Risen” is the final track on “Seed Ov God.” With an epic air and truly orchestral passages, Azaryahu’s proposal is felt in all its splendor. I could even say that it’s a kind of summary of everything we’ve been hearing.
Of course, “Seed Ov God” has all the edges that make up an extreme metal band. There is no doubt about that, but the combination with symphonic, epic elements and even passages that are difficult to describe but imply a musical richness unthinkable for the genre, is a contribution to something different in the genre. Added to this is the fact that the overall idea and concept of the album fits perfectly with the music. A kind of apocalyptic and spiritual atmosphere conveyed with the most extreme that Black Metal can offer.

Don’t think that Azaryahu’s experimentation leaves him lacking in substance. The band knows when to speed up, when to slow things down, and when to lower the decibels. This shows a remarkable compositional structure.
The sound may not be the most remarkable, but considering that this is a totally independent production, it is more than adequate. The mixing is modest, even taking into account that different instruments and sounds have been used.
The cover is a black-and-white image with medieval influences, and the interior of the booklet follows the same logic. Perhaps as an extension of what the band conveys musically. We thought the banner on the back cover urging us to “say no to AI-generated sound productions” was very apt, something we totally agree with.
This album is quite difficult to purchase in physical format. In fact, the few physical editions released are limited and numbered (ours is No. 216). Even so, below we provide some contacts to find out how to get hold of this album.
Azaryahu has made its mark. As modest as it is intense, which is why we are looking forward to a new album from them, as it seems that “Seed Ov God” is only the beginning. Here’s a track from the album to give you an idea of what it’s all about…