Black Flame Imperivm
Regain Records FSR 004 - 26 June 2008
By Neil Hauer
If youve ever wondered what the soundtrack to the lower circles of Hell might comprise, Imperivm is as fitting a guess as any might venture. The latest effort from Italian trio Black Flame, it remains as thoroughly twisted as any of the groups previous works, being composed almost entirely of a churning mixture of black metal discord and death metal fervor. Comparisons to fellow blackened death metallers Behemoth are inevitable and, although obvious, provide an accurate impression of the style unfamiliar listeners can expect, albeit one with more solos. Other influences are also present in smaller quantities, most notably in the doom-laden Black Svn Theory, although closer The Secret ov Lapis Manalis brings a hint of thrash to the proceedings.
The band as a whole function as a single entity, delivering a finely-honed onslaught throughout all eight tracks; however, frontman Cardinale Italo Martires enthusiasm certainly shines through predominantly, as his otherworldly vocals give the impression of a man struggling to retain what little sanity remains with him. Lyrically, the band display a sense of cultural awareness as they openly embrace their Roman ancestry - both in the Latin-styled titles of the individual songs, and through their exploration of topics such as the underworld of classic Roman religion (The Secret ov Lapis Manalis). Ultimately, although the ideas here are doubtlessly somewhat unoriginal, the execution is well above average, and Imperivm is a fine exhibition of some of the better material the burgeoning Italian black metal scene has to offer.
Official Black Flame Website
Official Black Flame Myspace
Official Regain Records Website
Regain Records FSR 004 - 26 June 2008
By Neil Hauer
If youve ever wondered what the soundtrack to the lower circles of Hell might comprise, Imperivm is as fitting a guess as any might venture. The latest effort from Italian trio Black Flame, it remains as thoroughly twisted as any of the groups previous works, being composed almost entirely of a churning mixture of black metal discord and death metal fervor. Comparisons to fellow blackened death metallers Behemoth are inevitable and, although obvious, provide an accurate impression of the style unfamiliar listeners can expect, albeit one with more solos. Other influences are also present in smaller quantities, most notably in the doom-laden Black Svn Theory, although closer The Secret ov Lapis Manalis brings a hint of thrash to the proceedings.
The band as a whole function as a single entity, delivering a finely-honed onslaught throughout all eight tracks; however, frontman Cardinale Italo Martires enthusiasm certainly shines through predominantly, as his otherworldly vocals give the impression of a man struggling to retain what little sanity remains with him. Lyrically, the band display a sense of cultural awareness as they openly embrace their Roman ancestry - both in the Latin-styled titles of the individual songs, and through their exploration of topics such as the underworld of classic Roman religion (The Secret ov Lapis Manalis). Ultimately, although the ideas here are doubtlessly somewhat unoriginal, the execution is well above average, and Imperivm is a fine exhibition of some of the better material the burgeoning Italian black metal scene has to offer.
Official Black Flame Website
Official Black Flame Myspace
Official Regain Records Website
