[7.5/10] Impiety’s Dominator EP reveals a sound that harkens back to the second wave of black metal—the harsher, more unbridled style that reared its ugly head in the early nineties. This period heralded the arrival of obscure, noisy satanic bands such as Beherit, Archgoat, Blasphemy and Immortal. Although the rough sound of these bands summoned a new scene of bands from around the globe, it was still a fledgling movement. One of these bands—Impiety, who along with Sigh and Abigail, attested that the unclean spirit of black metal could not be confined to the western hemisphere.

The cover art for Dominator provides a clue as to where this band is from. This artwork depicts a Mongolian army of the dead, flying the flag of Satan. With sound clips of neighing horses and the clang of steel, “Introbliteration” puts into music the idea shown on the cover. Other than this intro and a similar epilogue, Impiety reveals little of their Singaporean heritage. The songs contained on this album are purely of the pernicious, hell bound variety (see the above-named bands). At times, Shyaithan’s voice resembles the puking echoes of Beherit and Blasphemy. Other times, his voice is more akin to Abbath’s of Immortal. The choppy sound of the guitar combined with the non-stop blasting also brings to mind Immortal’s music, circa Pure Holocaust.

Dominator is a short album, clocking in at 15 minutes and change, and it only contains four proper tracks, but it has enough substance to get a real feel for what Impiety is going for on the album. It can be summed up in two alliterated words: fast and filthy. “Slaughter Superiority” is one of the faster tracks, constantly bombarding its listeners with blasting drums and jagged guitar rhythms. The group also performs “The Black Vomit,” which is a cover from the classic, early black metal group, Sarcofago. The speed and vileness of this track is true to the original, but used a meatier production to beef up the sound.

The extreme underground has a deep cauldron of infernal delights that, to be honest, can be difficult to keep up with. Impiety is one of those bands whom you may have seen their name, but decided to forgo purchasing one of their albums for a more recognized act. If you are seeking classic, underground black metal or simply looking to add to your collection, Impiety comes highly recommended, especially if the above-named bands and jet-fueled groups like Marduk and Immortal jumpstart your cold, blackened heart. Because of its shortness, Dominator may not be the best place to start, but it will give you a good idea of what Impiety is all about.

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