Review: “Curse of the Black Mist” by Characith

Just five months after they released their first demo “Fairest She“, Polish Black Metal act Characith returned with a second burnt offering in “Curse of the Black Mist“. Citing influences from the 90’s second wave of Northern European Black Metal and in particular Dissection, Immortal and Marduk, the quartet who hail from the city of Poznań may have only formed last year but already have a wealth of experience from time spent in Bömbardiër and Manhünt. Once again pondering themes of Anti-Cosmic Satanism, the question is just how much improvement can four musicians make in five months trapped in a damp, dark, torture chamber hell of a basement rehearsal space?

An introduction of synths has the epic grandeur of an organ and offers just a hint at Vampirism before “Curse of The Black Mist” unfurls its wings, the rampaging riffs and thunderous percussion pushing the quartet into the space between Black and Extreme Metal. A captivating opening cut that approaches eight and a half minutes on the night side proves that the band have the capability to capture the imagination and hold the attention, the subtle tempo shifts giving the track the air of pomp and circumstance. Texture has also been added to the track with the sounds of a storm rolling in from the East rising to the surface as it plays out, the incredible melodic Black Metal riffs leaving fret-boards smouldering and hands calloused.

If Iron Maiden played Black Metal then sonically at least it would sound like “Pearly Tears of Light” because the opening refrains almost immediately bring to mind “Hallowed Be Thy Name” with the same sense of scale and depth to the song. A classical acoustic bridge fuels that fire, Characith once again proving that their musicianship and attention to detail in craft is second to none. The melodies in the guitar work are a temptation that’s hard to resist with surprising vibrancy and a richness that beautifully contrasts the throat splitting harsh vocals.

As if there was a need to prove themselves a third time there is no let up in quality when it comes to “Visions Clear” which is another white hot example of what these demons from hell can do when they put their minds to it. Nuanced, intricate riffs and interesting drum patterns know no end, the rumbling bass causing the earth to tremble beneath the feet. A respectful tip of the hat to those who have influenced and inspired them that also proves they have what it takes to carry the mantle for decades to come, on this evidence you can expect Characith to be opening across Europe for Cradle Of Filth next year while having a debut album released via a major label [8.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Curse of The Black Mist
2. Pearly Tears of Light
3. Visions Clear

“Curse of the Black Mist” by Characith is out 24th May 2026