On their fourth album, “Confessing Darkness”, IMHA TARIKAT are once again pushing hard against all the boundaries that define the genre without ever losing the essential connection to the harsh style. Black metal has always been a much less narrowly defined musical beast than outsiders or jealous gatekeepers have often insinuated. The German black metal innovators have previously made use of all the possibilities that the genre offers while still carving out their own territory. Their dark sonic kingdom is built on two pillars: Musically, a relentless pushing and unstoppable drive forward characterise their sound. “Confessing Darkness” delivers even more of that raw energy than before. The other foundation is a deep emotional intelligence that fully utilises the ability of black metal to express every feeling ranging from purest love to darkest hatred, from severe depression to outbursts of joy. And again, this album takes these personal confessions several steps further as it is all true. This time around, IMHA TARIKAT’s lyrical and musical mastermind Kerem Yilmaz aka Ruhsuz Cellât has created the whole album in a studio environment, which benefits the sound. He has also opted mostly for shorter, sharper assaults. The tracks on “Confessing Darkness” come straight to the point and let go when they have spent their devastating power. IMHA TARIKAT have matured as “Confessing Darkness” clearly demonstrates. Yet although some of the youthful sonic violence has waned while experience and hard won musical knowledge are waxing, the German black metal outfit has only gained in conviction and strength. Beyond doubt, “Confessing Darkness” marks a milestone in the rise of IMHA TARIKAT.