Review: “Torchbearers” by Verba Serpentis

“We whisper the words of the snake into the ears of those who are willing to break the chains of cosmic tyranny.” ~ Verba Serpentis

Mixed and mastered by Stefan Traunmüller (A Portrait of Flesh and Blood, Dawn of a Dark Age, Véhémence) at Soundtempel Studio in Freilassing, Germany and wrapped in artwork by Indonesian artist Ivan Adi Prayoga, also known as Serpentchron (Incinerated, Tenebrific, Endless Loss), the second record from Austrian Black Metal act Verba Serpentis is upon us. Titled “Torchbearers” it is said to heed a call from the abyss and offer a more refined and expansive sonic palette while retaining the hostility and atmosphere of 2024 debut “Ophidic Gnosis“. Nothing is impossible in the all powerful mind and with a line up consisting of current and former members of such household names as Draugr, Schänder, Scion of Darkness, Hellsaw, Nocturne, Unhallowed and Altar of I, this half an hour of power should be more that worth its salt.

If it wasn’t already obvious Verba Serpentis love their Latin, their name meaning “words of the serpent“. That is something that bleeds into the lyrical narrative of opening cut “Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam” as the quartet rattle the cages with second wave of Black Metal style riffs, interweaving screams, whispers and death growls to create a venomous tirade. A powerful mid-tempo track that sets the tone and atmosphere, it is swiftly followed by restless and relentless percussive battery from drummer Tenebris as the malevolent “Ascension of the Golden Age” takes shape. Shriller harsh vocals reverberate around the cranium as the band lean towards Extreme Metal territory, the war drums pounding in the mid-section before a tastefully intricate solo from Malphas. A fierce finale of blistering barbed guitars and throat splitting vocals brings some serious heat, the intensity almost enough to trigger a brain haemorrhage.

A melodic introduction to “Consciousness” serves as a fleeting moment of respite while having a cleverly sinister air to it, the lyrics from Achlycet reading like some kind of bad acid trip in preparation for self immolation. Introspective and yet narrative driven they burn in mystifying way that entrances, especially when augmented by the almost ethereal orchestrations, whispers and mournfully melancholic guitars that surface in the second half. In truth much of this record has a majestic, epic quality to it that is seriously impressive and title track  “Torchbearers” is no different. Urgent and expressive, this journey down the left hand path embraces a melodic aggression without the need for synths, the lead guitars soaring like vultures riding the thermals in search of prey. There is something occult and ritualistic about these songs, their blackened fury flowing like lava rivers to a sea of obsidian even before the crowning glory that is “Spheres of Darkness“. Some might suggest influences from Finland natives Behexen or Americans Uada but in truth Verba Serpentis cut their own path with a little bit of twang in the final cut [8/10]

Track Listing

1. Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam
2. Ascension of the Golden Age
3. Consciousness
4. Torchbearers
5. Spheres of Darkness

“Torchbearers” by Verba Serpentis is out 15th May 2026 and is available over at bandcamp