Formed in 2019 in Rio de Janeiro, Black Priest – whose name comes from the combination of two of their greatest references: Black Sabbath and Judas Priest – completely engages the listener with their powerful Metal, full of dark, theatrical and tense atmospheres. The heavy rhythms and striking riffs and melodies are combined with the distinct and creative vocals of Vinícius Libânia, who seeks inspiration from masters such as Halford and King Diamond.
With several singles and two EPs (one live), in addition to very well-produced videos, the band invests in their work, so it is no surprise that their debut full-length album “Fatal” is of high quality, featuring 9 new songs, including the opening intro.
The songs bring a sometimes dark and tense atmosphere, and the “priests” tell their stories in lyrics that speak not only of supernatural horror, but also of psychological horror and the anguish and horrors of everyday life in society, permeated by their Heavy/Doom Metal, which brings influences from the classics, but with a contemporary touch. Just to give the listener an idea, I would mention Sabbath (especially the Dio phase), Judas Priest, King Diamond and Candlemass as a basis.
In an exciting album as a whole, the highlights are “Catacombs”, a real hit right from the start. Powerful and striking riffs, heavy and well-crafted tracks, dynamic tempo and a powerful chorus. Vinícius’ vocal variety moves through nuances of the masters King Diamond and Halford, also showing his feeling in the way he interprets the songs;
The disturbing “Predator’s Lust”, which has a video to match, brings dark and heavy atmospheres, which don’t give us time to catch our breath. A more cadenced tempo, highlighting the work of the G.G. and Phill on Bass and drum’s work. Vinícius Libânia brings more aggressive vocals, which match the proposed atmosphere; “The Ghost” is another perfect example of Black Priest’s exciting Heavy/Doom, with weight, dynamics that don’t let anyone stop headbanging, melody and many changes of atmosphere, with Vinícius always bringing striking interpretations and vocal variety.
Predator’s Lust vídeo:
In short, a newcomer of Brazilian Metal that deserves a close look, and it is necessary to applaud the quality, the band’s rapport and ability to create exciting songs, keeping the listener’s interest and show a strong identity, things that are increasingly rare. Something that comes from someone who has experience and knows where they want to go.
Black Priest are:
Vinicius “The Priest” Libânia: Vocals
G.G. Neto “The Evil”: Bass
Raphael “The Spectre” Ribeiro: Guitars
Phill “The Healer” Drigues: Drums
Find Black Priest on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7wTucXveUOvTauiRX6TnpE
Check out more about the band on their official channels.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackpriest_banda
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@blackpriestband
great sound!