We live in terrifying times that could prove to be far worse in about a year’s time. Not that the United States has any great choices in next year’s presidential race, but we could glue the tyranny on if things go a certain way. We may never climb out. And it’s not like we don’t already have a maw of disheartening problems that have been there all along. It’s a good thing we have people willing to fight.

Columbus-based black metal band Yfel prove to be a force for justice on their great debut record “Beneath the Mountain’s Vigil.” This five-track collection is a devastating call to action to battle back against forces of oppression and mount an uprising against those who stand to hold us down. The band—vocalist Nik Pröebstl, guitarists/vocalists Ryan Atkins and Drew Staggs, bassist/vocalist Ryan Caskey, drummer Chaz Frazer—is a firebreather of force, not only delivering atmospheric black metal that makes your heart swell, but it’s a mission statement, a means of standing one’s ground with refusal to budge.

“All Fleas Carry the Souls of Men” dawns with guitars flooding, driving and gushing, splattering with power as Pröebstl’s shrieks rattle cages. A huge melodic push makes blood rush, electrifying and moving with a fire and emotion that are impossible to shake. Guitars blaze as everything dissolves into acoustics, ending with a serenity after a scorching. “Battle of Blair Mountain” recounts the largest labor battle in American history when coal miners in West Virginia took up arms during their attempt to unionize in 1921. That rage and struggle is paid off well on this thunderous 10-minute track, storming with vile howls and slashing playing, blistering as spirits hang in the air. The bass swells as the atmospheric launch gets more intense, rousing group calls feeling like forces united, combusting as the shrieks rain down. The earth quakes underneath you as the battle rages on, igniting as the assault moves forward, blasting all the way to its devastating end.

“Protectors of the Tomb” pounds away as fluid playing swells, shrieks scar, and the emotions spill over the edge. The vocals blister while energy explodes, harsh playing and spacious powers fill your chest, and group singing and gazey fury make for a formidable team that leaves bruising. “The Father’s Path” is numbing and bursting with air, hissed growls carving at flesh, and the playing feeling a little dirtier than what preceded it. Group singing picks up and carries the song to its next ebbs and flows, turning into a complete onslaught that balances melody with ferocity. Riffs spiral and flood, ravaging fury continues, and the fires blaze to a solemn end. Closer “Eyes of the Moon” brings ominous riffs that crash through the fog cover, rushing and storming, making adrenaline spike. The chorus swells, and then wordless calls increase your blood pressure, ravaging and bringing and energetic assault that fills your pores. The great force blisters, bringing vile terror and great melody, slowly drilling its way into the heart of the earth.

Yfel’s black metal not only is thunderous and devastating, but it’s filled with righteous power to keeping fighting the battles that benefit those under the thumb of the power structure. “Beneath the Mountain’s Vigil” is an incredible debut opus, adding a new force into the atmospheric black metal kingdom that has the chops and fortitude to make a true difference. This is a sign of great hope, not just for a black metal world that needs new blood, but for the people who also are fighting back against oppressive forces and will refuse to stop until the war is won.

For more on the band, go here: https://www.facebook.com/YfelBM

To buy the album, go here: https://fiadh.bandcamp.com/album/beneath-the-mountains-vigil

For more on the label, go here: https://www.facebook.com/fiadhproductions