Diabolical Bloodlust marks the third full-length album from Finnish duo Flagg, who have been carving out their place in the underground since first manifesting in Turku back in 2018. With roots in several other bands, this duo brings us a record whose title alone already sets the tone—raw, aggressive, and unapologetically blackened.
What we’re served here is unmistakably 90s-inspired Black Metal: cold, raw production, relentless drumming, and those screeching, feral vocals we’ve all come to revere. Yet Flagg doesn’t just stick to the genre’s clichés. They manage to inject some individuality into the mix through the use of keyboards, dynamic tempo changes, and carefully layered atmosphere.
A clear standout in that regard is Morningstar Rising, the second track, which builds tension beautifully with ethereal synths and shifting pace—only to be cut off far too soon. It’s a strange decision, as the song had the potential to go much further.
The title track Diabolical Bloodlust quickly follows and more than makes up for it—dirty, aggressive, and soaked in that classic blackened fury. The Book of Death takes a slightly different turn and ends up feeling a bit disjointed and perhaps too ambitious for its own good.
Fortunately, Call of Darkness brings things back on track: a mid-tempo piece with tight double kick work and a solid, driving groove. It’s one of the album’s stronger moments.
All in all, Flagg delivers a solid and at times surprising record with Diabolical Bloodlust. Fans of traditional Black Metal with a hint of experimentation will definitely find something to sink their teeth into. A release that deserves more attention than it’s likely to get.
80/100
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