Death, Satan, black mass, occultism — and a band as severe as a hammer slamming down on your skull. Witchrist is a side project formed by members of Diocletian, and their debut Beheaded Ouroboros stands as one of the cruelest and most pestiferous records of 2010. What sets it apart from other death metal albums of that year is the unmistakable hellish black metal influence. Pre-90s Bolt Thrower, Autopsy, Incantation, Asphyx, alongside Blasphemy and old Mayhem, are the primary inspirations behind this record.
The album is drenched in an intense occult atmosphere. Most songs ride mid to fast tempos, but when the slow, doomy sections arrive—often accompanied by church bells—you find yourself on a truly demonic trip. The sound is raw yet straightforward. Vocals are mostly raucous roars, but during the slow and heavy parts, you catch haunting, suffering screams.
Guitars are down-tuned, alternating between necro black metal passages and devastating, catchy thrash-death riffs. Slayer-esque twisted solos add an extra layer of menace. The entire album feels like a ritual — one that might just inspire you to conduct a black mass in a cemetery.