Imagine a live wire, humming with enough power to propel a subway train or end a life with a single touch. That's the 'third rail,' a term that, beyond its literal meaning, symbolizes topics so perilous they can derail careers in an instant. This metaphor sets the stage for Ordeals and their debut album, Third Rail Prayer, a release that teeters between electrifying potential and the risk of fading into obscurity. But here's where it gets controversial: can a band that excels in one subgenre truly thrive by dabbling in others? Let’s dive in.
Formed in 2011, this New York City trio has spent over a decade honing their craft, releasing two EPs and a split before finally unleashing their first full-length album. Drawing inspiration from the Australian metal scene, Ordeals delivers a labyrinthine fusion of black and death metal, seasoned with an understated grandeur. But the question remains: will Third Rail Prayer catapult them into the spotlight, or will it leave them stranded on the tracks?
What Ordeals lacks in mainstream recognition, they more than make up for with technical prowess. Bassist/guitarist Illuminated weaves blackened riffs that churn and swirl like an unseen predator beneath the surface, constantly evolving through tempo shifts and key changes (as heard in 'Throes'). Tremolo-driven passages, reminiscent of Abominator, inject a sense of urgency into tracks like 'Suffer Cursed Ordeals.' The bass often complements the guitar, adding depth and texture, but it occasionally takes center stage, as in the latter half of 'Emerge.' Drummer Bellum is a master of versatility, effortlessly transitioning from blistering blast beats to dynamic, energetic rhythms. His work is the album’s backbone, setting the tone in 'Scorn Ceremony' and guiding transitions in 'Third Rail Prayer' and 'Suffer Cursed Ordeals,' ensuring the record never loses momentum.
A ritualistic, almost sectarian energy permeates Third Rail Prayer. Vocalist Zealous Hellspell eschews high-pitched rasps in favor of full-throated roars and shouts, evoking clandestine religious ceremonies or dark incantations (think Uada or Rotting Christ in 'Triumph' and 'Suffer Cursed Ordeals'). While Ordeals labels themselves as blackened death metal, there’s a noticeable—and impressively executed—doom influence. Tracks like 'Throes' and 'Triumph' build tension with Candlemass-inspired riffs, while the patient bass and relentless drums in 'Scorn Ceremony' paint a haunting picture of backwater cult rituals, reminiscent of Choir. Ordeals masterfully releases this tension, often culminating in spiraling, Dionysian climaxes that recall Kvaen’s 'The Funeral Pyre' (as in 'Third Rail Prayer,' 'Throes,' and 'Emerge'). Ironically, it’s this ceremonial, almost liturgical atmosphere where Ordeals truly shines.
And this is the part most people miss: the atmospheric, doom-laden moments of Third Rail Prayer are its undisputed highlights. When Ordeals channels Solitude Aeturnus or Solstice, their measured songcraft and palpable atmosphere outstrip the rest of the album. Don’t get me wrong—Third Rail Prayer is a solid listen from start to finish. But the black and death metal elements pale in comparison to their doom-infused passages. While Hellspell’s fervent vocals unify the album, Illuminated and Bellum’s contributions feel less cohesive when the focus shifts away from doom. The synergy in those Sabbathian moments is so compelling that it’s frustrating they aren’t the album’s focal point.
Third Rail Prayer is a 'kitchen sink' album, showcasing Ordeals’ versatility. They play good black metal and good death metal, but their blackened doom is exceptional. Here’s the bold question: are they spreading themselves too thin? This debut feels like a 40-minute proof of concept, albeit an unfocused one. If Ordeals can lean into their strengths—their stately doom songcraft and ceremonial atmosphere—they could create something truly remarkable. As it stands, they’re a band worth watching, and I’m eager to see what they do next.
Rating: 3.0/5.0
DR: 8 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Labels: Eternal Death (https://eternaldeath.bandcamp.com/)
Websites: Bandcamp (https://ordealsascendant.bandcamp.com/) | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/OrdealsAscendant/) | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ordealsofficial/)
Releases Worldwide: September 26th, 2025
Thought-provoking question for you: Should bands focus on perfecting one subgenre, or is versatility the key to standing out in today’s metal landscape? Let’s debate in the comments!
