At the edge of the abyss.

Seven Churches makes a useful third voice beside Slayer and Venom. Listen first for the shape of a guitar phrase, then for the weight of the rhythm underneath it. The rough surface is only one part of the picture.

The Exorcist opens a route into the record. Let one listen follow the guitar and another follow the drums. A change in emphasis can reveal a different sense of momentum without changing the music itself.

The title track provides another point of entry. Hear it in sequence, then return to the opening track and notice which details have become easier to follow. Whole records reward that kind of return visit.

Keep Seven Churches in conversation with the other two records in the opening selection. Their different attacks give the same listening session room to move: a sharp turn, a coarse edge, another shade of darkness.