Sacral’s 2025 release Vile Consumption is a chaotic mix of influences, genres, and directions with one thing prevailing throughout: the message. An apocalyptic epic following the theme of destruction that humanity leaves in its wake, the album explores the multitude of emotions that come with that.

The music is highly adaptable, without limiting itself to one singular style, instead opting to put what’s trying to be conveyed first. This could be a potentially alienating experience to those who come into the music expecting Black Metal ™, but as a lover of originality, it encapsulated my attention. I have been following Sacral’s work now for a couple years and this album cemented my faith in the direction they’re going. The adaptability is the focal point and the largest selling factor.

Initially in the opening track, New Guard of the Old Ways, I thought I knew what to expect moving forward. It was fast-paced, riotous, and in the vein of the second wave. All those are attractive things, no question, but it didn’t really differentiate itself from the crowd. Then Slaughterhouse began.

It was an immediate shift in style, incorporating synths that wouldn’t be out of place in a 3teeth song. Industrial elements are something seldomly seen in black metal, and it’s a shame. This track is proof one can mesh the two seamlessly and create an incredible experience.

No One Wins is my recommendation from this album and for those who are looking to get an introductory taste of what Sacral is all about. The lyrics are potent, the opening sections are noisy in the best possible way, and then comes the folk section. It is a rallying cry that reminds me immediately of Panopticon, if only in essence. The energy is infectious and efortless to latch onto. Through the array of influences Sacral is taking from, there will be at least one element which resonates with the audience.

Vile Consumption is an album that performs its best when experienced, and I don’t want to give too much away. That initial listen for me was a journey that constantly left me surprised. The technical skill is there too to back up the scope of ingenuity shown. This album is available over on Bandcamp, and I really do suggest you check it out. Then of course, feel free to let me know what you thought. Thank you for joining along for this ride, and until next time, hails or something.

RATING: 3.75 out of 5

RATING SYSTEM:

• 0: Fucking Shit
• 1: Shit
• 2: Not Bad Shit
• 3: Pretty Good Shit
• 4: Amazing Fucking Shit
• 5: The Best Shit You Will Ever Hear