Hello, my fellow black metalheads! Welcome back to the Black Metal Archives. I’m Sean, and today, we’re diving into the relentless sonic assault that is Dogmatic Accusations by Traktat. This German black metal trio has unleashed a debut album that merges traditional aggression with ideological defiance with themes of Anti-fascism, Social criticism, and Disgust. Let’s dissect their sound, instrumentation, and where they stand in the black metal pantheon.
From the first moments of Dogmatic Accusations, it’s clear that Traktat isn’t interested in pleasantries. The album is a raw, unfiltered blast of black metal energy, balancing piercing tremolo riffs with crust and punk influences. The guitar work carves through the mix like a razor, creating an oppressive and bleak atmosphere. Drums are relentless, with frantic blast beats and d-beat-infused sections that add to the chaos. The bass, while often buried beneath the storm of guitars, provides a deep, rumbling foundation that enhances the record’s intensity. Vocally, we get a savage performance—harsh, desperate screams that cut through the dense instrumentation and convey a message of defiance.
Let’s dive into some of the tracks:
- “Prism Of A Darkened Moon“ – A short, blistering opener that sets the tone with aggressive riffing and pummeling drums, offering no respite. Pure, unfiltered rage in under three minutes.
- “From Blinded Wisdom To Generic Ghouls“ – This track shifts between frenzied assaults and slower, more atmospheric moments, showcasing Traktat’s ability to balance raw power with eerie melody.
- “All Symbols Of Disgust“ – The longest and most expansive track on the album, clocking in at over nine minutes. A slow-burning, crushing piece that drags you through a relentless storm of despair and defiance.
Lyrically, Traktat makes their stance unmistakable. Dogmatic Accusations is an ideological firestorm, confronting themes of authoritarianism and the darker aspects of history. Their alignment with the Red and Anarchist Black Metal (RABM) movement places them firmly in the sphere of politically charged black metal, alongside bands that use the genre as a vehicle for resistance. This adds another layer of intensity to an already searing album.
Traktat has delivered a debut that is as ferocious as it is purposeful. Dogmatic Accusations is not just a black metal album; it’s a battle cry. This is a record you need to hear if you crave raw aggression with a strong ideological backbone. Let me know your thoughts in the comments, and as always, support the underground! You can check out the album in full on their Bandcamp page.
