TEMPLE OV AHRIMAN “Heretics of Consensual Reality”

Independent, June 26, 2026

Genre: Black Metal
Website: facebook.com/templeovahriman
Duration: 42:34
Country: U.S.A.
Cool Songs: “Wrath of Iblis,” “Heretics of Consensual Reality,” “Baphomet’s Kiss”

TEMPLE OF AHRIMAN is a one-man Black Metal project from Austin, Texas. Thornicator plays all the instruments except drums. Although Thornicator does vocals, plays guitar, bass and keyboards in the studio he has a live lineup. His debut album “Heretics of Consensual Reality” was in the works for a few years due to the Covid-19 pandemic pushing his release back. Not being able to release the album for so long allowed him time to perfect the album. His work shows as “Heretics of Consensual Reality” is a solid album.

The album opens with a barrage of pounding drums on “War of Heaven.” The tempo does not stay fast, though, as he presents slow to mid-paced rhythms. The mid-paced rhythms reveal a Finnish influence. The third track, “Infernal Imperium” runs on a medium to fast pace reminiscent of HORNA. The HORNA influence makes sense because Thornicator opened for HORNA with his former band TRIACANTHOS. He is good at building riffs and then adding slight changes such as guitar harmonies over the main riffs.  The sharp edge of the guitar riff that starts out “Wrath of Iblis” is one of my favorite riffs. The title track and “Beyond the Veils of Maya” are other tracks with rhythms that resonate with me. “Beyond the Veils of Maya” contains an acoustic section which adds emotion.

Thornicator presents a variety of vocals. His main voice consists of a high rasp not unlike older EMPEROR. He adds a touch of Death Metal growls on some sections. “Beyond the Veils of Maya” contains a pitch-shifted narrative part. “War in Heaven” even includes a section of female singing. “Thornicator’s voice is high and extreme, but the lyrics are easy to understand. Much of the album is blasphemous and evil including the orgiastic moans of “Baphomet’s Kiss.” “SPQB” is about Christian’s being fed to lions in the Coliseum. “White Death” features the classic conflict of man versus nature. It’s a story about succumbing to the ravages of winter.

From the speed of the drum blasts to the variety of vocals to catchy riffs, “Heretics of Consensual Reality” has all the hallmarks of a good black metal album. Fans of the genre take notice. According to Thornicator he hasn’t received a lot of reviews, which is a shame because “Heretics of Consensual Reality” is one of the best Black Metal albums I’ve heard this year.

Line-Up:

Thornicator-Vocals, Bass, Guitar, Keyboards

Tracklist:

War in Heaven
Wrath of Iblis
Infernal Imperium
SPQB
White Death
Heretics of Consensual Reality
Baphomet’s Kiss
Beyond the Veils of Maya

Rate: 8.5/10