Blackwinds are a side-project of Setherial drummer Lord Mysteriis, who also plays in In Battle. Information is minimal for this Swedish act (the CD insert doesn’t even attribute the members), but what I can gather, it appears this group consists of two devout black metal heathens, Lord Mysteriis and Infaustus. Stylistically, Blackwinds display elements seen in Setherial, especially the guitars, but is a much more keyboard-driven act. Also, the production is louder and clearer than Lord Mysteriis’ main group. In that regard, Blackwinds are like a better produced early Emperor.

Flesh Inferno, Blackwinds’ second release this year and second full-length overall, reveals a classic Scandinavian black metal sound with atmosphere being a key ingredient in their dark alchemic recipe. Blackwinds’ synth/keyboard use meshes well with the other instruments, following the rise-and-fall patterns during fast moments, as seen in “Enter the Pandemonium” and “Inquisition,” or to provide a fantastic break from the hellish, thundering pace. Near the end of “Quintessence of Hell,” a distant, distorted guitar coupled with Harpsichord-like keys leave this track on an ominous tone.

The vocals and guitars are another important component in the group’s creation of atmosphere. Infaustus possesses the same type of satanic shriek heard by Ihsahn on Emperor’s early efforts. The hollow ring of his voice adds to the nefarious vibe inherit throughout the album. Blackwinds’ guitar playing harkens back to the early nineties when black metal seemed to have discovered the bleakest, most evil music ever known to man. The guitar riffs are of the typical, tremolo picking style, but have a grim, cold quality that only certain black metal groups can replicate.

Blackwinds understand how to create a spooky musical environment without overreliance on keys. The production and vocals are palpable yet raw enough to stay consistent with the music’s scathing tone. Is this album deserving of a classic BM tag? No. For one, they aren’t inventing anything. Two, the songs do not have the memorable quality that older Emperor albums had. Still, Flesh Inferno should appease the fork-tongued palate of those who hail the true spirit of black metal. Fans of older Emperor, Limbonic Art and Abigor take notice.

www.myspace.com/blackwindsdomain