REVIEW: Dark Age Of Ruin - False Messiah And The Abstract

Coming out of the misty volcanic islands of the Azores, Dark Age Of Ruin makes a strong first impression with their debut album False Messiah And The Abstract. Portugal might not be the first place that jumps to mind when you think of black metal, but this record proves that the fire absolutely burns just as fiercely there as it does in Scandinavia. Two years on from the release, we've come to listen.

The Azores are a place where isolation and religion have shaped life for centuries. These islands have always sat on the edge between tradition and wildness, with deep Catholic roots running through generations. That kind of environment is perfect breeding ground for the kind of heavy, dark reflection that black metal thrives on, and Dark Age Of Ruin taps into that in a big way. A a taste more generally of Portugal is also present throughout. This is not just an album that could have been made anywhere. You can hear the echoes of old cathedrals and isolated hills. Portugal has a long history of Catholic dominance and cultural struggle, and that tension feels embedded in every note.

The album opens with 'An Heretic Overture'; a slow, brooding instrumental that does exactly what an intro should do. It sets a mood, creeping in like early morning fog over a mountain chapel. It builds tension without needing to explode right away. You can tell the band is in full control of the pacing. When the title track 'False Messiah And The Abstract' kicks in immediately afterwards, it becomes clear we are not in for a half-hearted effort. The riffs are razor sharp, the vocals are absolutely unhinged, and the drumming never lets up. There is a real sense of purpose here. This track lays out the major themes of the album in no uncertain terms - faith, ruin, and the weight of belief gone wrong.

Third track 'Crucifixion... The Last Drop Of Blood' is a standout moment. It plays with both tempo and mood, dropping in and out of blast beat-driven chaos to give space for atmosphere to breathe. The guitars grind like old bones, and the vocal delivery feels like a sermon given at the end of the world. This is where you start to notice that the band is not just here to be loud. They are constructing something with layers and intent. 'Golgotha' changes the pace. It starts slow, almost mournful, and slowly builds into a grand, sorrowful march. It has a more emotional feel, but never sacrifices heaviness. You can feel the religious weight pressing down in this track. It feels more like a procession than a song, and that ritualistic energy really sticks with you.

'Sacrificium Of The Lambs' picks the pace back up with a sense of urgency. The melodies buried under the aggression are especially striking here. It feels like the band is letting just enough light in to make the shadows seem darker. There is a balance between fury and control that really works. 'Son of Satan' hits right after with plenty of pure, classic black metal energy. This one is fast, punishing, and straightforward in its assault. There are no frills, just raw fire. If you grew up on early black metal and love that cold, relentless sound, this one will feel like coming home.

'The Oracle' slows things down again. It is a more haunting, reflective piece that feels like a descent into a dream or vision. There is a hypnotic quality here that stands out from the rest of the album. It gives a moment to catch your breath while still holding the overall mood.

'Blasphemy', however, gets straight to the point. It is short, aggressive, and leaves a mark. This is one of those tracks that would absolutely crush in a live setting. No wasted time, just full force. Closing track 'Tenebrous Heathen' ties everything together. It carries the same themes and sound, but adds a sense of finality. It is grand, heavy, and feels like the last chapter of a very dark book. Everything that works about the album shows up here. The riffs are strong, the vocals are passionate, and the whole track is soaked in tension.

What really makes False Messiah And The Abstract stand out is its clear vision. The band knows exactly what kind of story they are telling. There is a strong theme of spiritual decay, rebellion, and ritual. It is not just about sounding evil. It is about questioning belief and wrestling with the ghosts of faith. The production is also worth noting. It keeps enough grit to feel raw while letting each instrument have its space.

If you enjoy the dark philosophical heaviness of bands like Mgla, the raw spiritual aggression of Watain, or the atmospheric weight of Gaerea, you will find a lot to love here. Classic black metal fans will feel at home, but anyone who appreciates meaningful structure and haunting melody in their heaviness will get something from this too. False Messiah And The Abstract is a confident, brooding, and gripping debut from a band that clearly has a lot to say. Dark Age Of Ruin brings intensity, atmosphere, and purpose in equal measure. This is a release that demands attention, and deserves it.

Score: 8/10

False Messiah And The Abstract was released on May 19th 2023.

Words: Kelly Gowe

Photos: Dark Age Of Ruin