A rambunctious offering is presented from this new Finnish band, Beleth of course being a king of hell in demonologist lore! Black metal heads in search of the adventurous may be a little disappointed at how closely Beleth's Trumpet follow the genre template, yet they do so skilfully and with taste, making Chapel of Bones a debut full-length that is well worth hearing. Galloping drums and blurring riffs create a mystical yet not headbang-free sound, atop which vocalist/bassist M.SF croaks a dark sermon... Sure, it's orthodox black metal, with songs that perhaps go on a little too long in places (opener Triumphant Voice of Beleth particularly). Yet by the time the more churning Mass Grave (of the Angels) rolls around, which flexes its atmospheric wings a little more and takes on a melancholic air, the album will have most under its spell.

And the album doesn't really put a step wrong from then onwards, the bleak blast of the title track just one of the intense and powerful tracks that the band have to show. At points this will be a little too raw and traditional for some, not least the repetitive/hypnotic waves of sound that pummel your ears on Extermination of God's Kingdom, which moves from blurry atmospherics to an ever-so-slightly more rocking style at the halfway point. Yet if you're even reading this site the chances are that you're experienced with the metal underground and can recognise a wholehearted attempt at recreating 90s sounds with the respect it deserves - and Beleth's Trumpet seem to be more than enthusiastic about their chosen sound. That enthusiasm comes through plainly, from the musical performances which are solid to great, especially with drummer Deathcripple (and what a great name that is!) to the songwriting.

You wouldn't think it on initial listens yet the subtle way that the frosty stomp of Clandestine Ritual works its icy grasp into your heart is quite different from the following groovy Death's Cold Hand, the closest thing to a catchy song on the album. Some would find this infectious as is, of course, yet it's more than underground enough to put most off, particularly the flurrying assault of closer Black Light. And some would reject even listening to Beleth's Trumpet, saying that they don't do anything to distinguish themselves from the hordes of bands out there. Which is partially true - all that this band do is play traditional black metal and do it well, and if that isn't enough for you, well, then neither is Chapel of Bones.