Alzhagoth, a Pagan Melodic Death metal band hailing from Italy, officially formed in 2019. Venturing into the spotlight on March 14th, 2025, they thrillingly unveiled their debut full-length album, “Ad Finem,” and promoted through The Metallist PR, and released under the banner of Inertial Music.
Alzhagoth Social Links
Alzhagoth, Ad Finem Review: This review will evaluate every aspect of the album, from its intricate musical composition to its production. Our analysis will provide valuable insights to help you determine if this album is worth adding to your collection.
The First Three Sins of Ad Finem
Let’s start by discussing the first three sins of Alzhagoth and their album, Ad Finem
The First Sin, The Strings/Keys: Interplay between twin guitarists, whose melodic riffs and aggressive rhythms dance with harmonized leads and intricate solos. The Bass riffs add overall depth and groove to the composition. Adding to the mix, are synthesizers that elevate the music. The Second Sin, The Vocals: Characterized by guttural growls and occasional clean singing, effectively conveys the themes of chaos and mythology… The Third Sin—The Percussions: Delve into a vast world of powerful drumming, featuring a blend of blast beats and complex rhythms that provide a robust foundation for the band’s sound.
The Fourth Sin: Overall Discussion:
Draws inspiration from flesh and blood, they raise their goblets each night in honour of the god Alzhagoth.
As soon as the listener presses the play button, the listener is introduced to the opening piece, Sermons of the Blind, enveloping them in a soundscape of wind, rain, and haunting piano notes. Seamlessly shifts into a blend of melodic and intense instrumentals, accompanied by powerful vocals. As the listener continues on their journey with Ad Finem, they will discover that Ad Finem offers the listener, with a captivating auditory excursion through its crafted fruit of art instrumental composition and arrangement, and devilmanship.
Ad Finem’s production quality that is floored to perfection. This ensures a refined and immersive experience, that every beat, note, and breath resonates clearly, creating a soundscape that captivates the senses and presents a seamless flow reminiscent of the gentle breeze that sweeps through autumn. Alzhagoth’s technical precision and atmospheric composition shine through as they utilize vibrant instrumental devilmanship, which includes that interplay between dual guitarists Nicolò and Michele. Their intertwining melodic riffs and fierce rhythms craft an intense auditory experience.
The seamless harmonization of their leads, paired with intricate solos, achieves a remarkable equilibrium between melody and heaviness. Antonio‘s drumming stands out as a formidable force, combining rapid blast beats with intricate rhythms that lay a solid groundwork for the band’s overall sound. Marco‘s bass lines provide essential support and bring a unique flair, skilfully navigating through the guitar melodies to enrich the music’s depth and groove. Meanwhile, Matteo‘s vocal delivery, marked by deep growls and moments of clean singing, powerfully expresses the themes of chaos and mythology woven into the lyrics, adding a dramatic and emotional layer to the music.
Moving onto the synths which are provided by Raffaele Benvegnù‘s, for me, his synth work not only elevates the music and reveals what seem to be four distinct layers of composition. Now, this could just be me. At the same time, the synths provide this sweeping arpeggios to delicate ambient effects, ensuring that the synths complement rather than overshadow the other instruments, but also all perfectly synchronized. Within each layer, one might found, an atmospheric sound that creates a backdrop filled with ethereal and orchestral tones, resulting in a convoy of grandeur and cinematic.
This effectively conveys the mythological themes central to the band’s lyrics, which enhances the overall listening experience. There is also a dynamic interplay between the other instruments that adds depth and texture to their compositions. This versatility turns each track into a multidimensional experience. Beyond that, there is this thematic enhancement as well, in which the synths highlight the narrative aspects of their songs. For example, in “Herald of Chaos,” the synths reflect the chaos and intensity depicted in the lyrics, whereas in “Sermons of the Blind,” they create a haunting, almost spiritual atmosphere.
While Alzhagoth sound and music is rooted in melodic/symphonic death metal, the listener will also, will find that Ad Finem also incorporates elements of thrash and groove metal, enriched by classical and symphonic influences. Resulting in a rich tapestry of sound that transports the listener into a mythological realm marked by technical precision and atmospheric composition, from sweeping arpeggios to delicate ambient effects. Representing a deep and intricate sonic journey, where Pagan Death Metal expresses its most authentic essence.
Through the use of four-instrument harmonizations and arpeggios, the band crafts compositions that alternate between moments of intensity and more melodic and atmospheric passages, thus creating a new imaginary cosmos dedicated to the creatures of the Alzhagoth universe. Overall, Alzhagoth and their album Ad Finem offers the listener with an engaging experience for all those who love technical, powerful, and intricate musical arrangements and compositions, leaving a lasting impression with each listen. — a must-listen!
As the album comes to a closing piece, Usque ad finem. As the music weeps away, we would like to thank The Metallist PR for allowing us to review Alzhagoth and their album, Ad Finem.
The Last Three Sins
Let’s discuss the last three sins of Alzhagoth and their album, Ad Finem
The Fifth Sin, The Memorabilia:
In my view, Alzhagoth‘s album, Ad Finem, showcases a devilmanship, composition, arrangement, instrumentation, and production, which is all a fruit of art. Each element shines through, whether it’s the captivating vocals, the dual guitars, or the powerful drumming. The synths play a vital role in bringing the music to life, with Raffaele Benvegnù’s contributions elevating the overall experience. If there’s one downside, it’s that the album feels a bit too short; once the final note fades, you’re left wanting more.
This work transcends traditional melodic or symphonic death metal, standing as a unique creation in its own right.
The Sixth Sin, The Artwork:
The album artwork for Ad Finem was created by Eva Zivkovic, an artist closely connected to the band’s creative vision. The cover is described as a stunning original painting that complements the band’s mythological themes and immersive soundscapes. It reflects the band’s dedication to creating a unique artistic experience that resonates with their pagan-inspired music.
The Seventh Sin, Disrelish:
There is nothing to dislike in the musical offerings of Alzhagoth and their album, Ad Finem. Thus, we conclude our review of Alzhagoth and their album, Ad Finem. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for your time in reading this article. I encourage you to explore the work of The Metallist PR, Inertial Music, and the band Alzhagoth and their album, Ad Finem.
Members
Matteo: vocals
Michele: guitar
Nicolò: guitar
Marco: bass
Antonio: drums
Raffaele: keyboards
Track-Listing
01. Sermons Of The Blind
02. Herald Of Chaos
03. Grievous Diorama
04. Sacrifice
05. Resurrection Of The Fallen
06. Ultramonsters
07. Ancient Blood
08. Usque Ad Finem
