Blood Serpent / Iron Bludgeon - Baptized In Iron And Blood CD

A split album digitally released in 2025 by the Vietnamese black metal circle House of Ygra is now being released on CD by Sex Desire Records!

House of Ygra is a young black metal collective based in Hanoi, comprised of multiple bands. They operate on a DIY basis, from releasing music and creating artwork to planning live events, including inviting international bands.

While Sex Desire Records was originally founded to release my own band's music, when I received an offer from the leader of Blood Serpent, who is also a central figure in House of Ygra, I was convinced that this was the work I should be doing right now.

Blood Serpent was formed in Hanoi in 2022. While it includes members of Elcrost, their music is a complete departure from Elcrost's decadent style, instead pursuing merciless brutality in the form of BESTIAL BLACK METAL! I believe this sound was born out of the environment of Vietnam, where you might encounter a decaying tank just by walking down the street.

Iron Bludgeon, active since 2023, is Japan's first true WAR BLACK METAL, with an extremely harsh sound and look! They actively perform live in their hometown of Osaka, as if to smash bedroom black metal. Last year, they hosted Luciferian Kommando, the eve of NWN!/Hospital Fest. Since then, they have also toured internationally with SEX MESSIAH in Taiwan and Thailand, spreading their name across the globe.

While many bands disappeared after the COVID-19 pandemic, black metal live performances, releases, and cross-border underground exchanges are thriving in various Asian countries, as if to vent frustration.

This release is part of that trend. What they are expressing is not idealism, war glorification, or fantasy, but rather the violent and brutal reality of the world itself.

Even without favoritism, Asian black metal is the most interesting right now! Blood Serpent plans to embark on an Asian tour in June, and Sex Desire Records will be organizing the Osaka leg on June 12th. Of course, Iron Bludgeon will also be performing!

Text by Moenos (Sex Desire Records)