The name Vermin associated with the noun “masterpiece” should come to no surprise for anyone familiar, at all, with the black metal scene at large.

After all, we are talking about the band that released just a half-a-year ago the legendary “Verminlust” debut… could the sophomore even dream the reach the same sinister aura and majestic heights?

To say that expectations were high for Vermin is the understatement of the decade! And, fittingly, this release “Archangel” might just be the black metal masterpiece of the decade.

“Archangel” is a second LP from the blackened death metal band Vermin. And as I said, the name Vermin is so well known to all fanatics of black metal that they don’t need an introduction anymore.

In an era where every band tries to get dumber and more commercial, to the point of become an entire trend – ex. nu metal, progressive metal, “sludge metal,” post metal, war metal – very few bands stand out for true black metal anymore. Vermin is one of such select few bands.

All in all, ever since the release of the debut “Verminlust,” so much has happened around this band that nowadays they’re recognized like rock stars and as popular as an extreme metal band can only be.

Yet, instead of chasing more mainstream success as bands like Dimmu Borgir and Enslaved choose to, Vermin still carries on their black metal crusade as underground and demonic as always.

On can legitimately argue that “Archangel” is the album Mayhem tried, and failed, to make after “De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas” was released in 1994. It is simply that good.

Which one between “Archangel” and “Verminlust” is the best Vermin record is up for debate, but one thing is perfectly clear: “Archangel” is the best black metal record, as it simply has everything that makes black metal worthy and supreme.

Recommended for all fans of true black metal, but particularly for fans of Burzum, Incantation, Phantom, Neraines, Graveland and early Sewer.