Latrodectüs Altered Flesh
Adipocere Records CDAR69 2003
By Russell Garwood
French symphonic black metal group Latrodectüs used to have a more violent sound than that displayed on this, their debut full length. Their more brutal roots are still apparent on Altered Flesh, in which unforgiving spewed vocals courtesy of Necurat compete with the blasting drums of Arkkwolf. Singing is an interesting addition, but feels slightly too far back in the mix, and is an area I would be interested to see developed further. Likks synths are also further back than is normal for symphonic black, but still show complex lines at times, occasionally providing the melody instead of Croms guitars. These are semi-melodic and cope with time and character changes well, under which the bass guitar of Skyvv is audible and fitting. Acoustics are also well-integrated and used to good effect, contrasting with the harsher assaults that come at regular intervals.
The production of Xort (Anorexia Nervosa) is good, making for an increasingly accessible yet heavy release. Lyrics in French and German as well as English help create more interesting listening, as it is nice to hear the difference in delivery between the languages. Altered Flesh has nothing new going on, but helps compensate with solid instrumental performances. If you are looking for some new symphonic black Latrodectüs would be a good place to start, but if you crave something fresh and exciting they are, perhaps, a group to avoid.
Adipocere Records CDAR69 2003
By Russell Garwood
French symphonic black metal group Latrodectüs used to have a more violent sound than that displayed on this, their debut full length. Their more brutal roots are still apparent on Altered Flesh, in which unforgiving spewed vocals courtesy of Necurat compete with the blasting drums of Arkkwolf. Singing is an interesting addition, but feels slightly too far back in the mix, and is an area I would be interested to see developed further. Likks synths are also further back than is normal for symphonic black, but still show complex lines at times, occasionally providing the melody instead of Croms guitars. These are semi-melodic and cope with time and character changes well, under which the bass guitar of Skyvv is audible and fitting. Acoustics are also well-integrated and used to good effect, contrasting with the harsher assaults that come at regular intervals.
The production of Xort (Anorexia Nervosa) is good, making for an increasingly accessible yet heavy release. Lyrics in French and German as well as English help create more interesting listening, as it is nice to hear the difference in delivery between the languages. Altered Flesh has nothing new going on, but helps compensate with solid instrumental performances. If you are looking for some new symphonic black Latrodectüs would be a good place to start, but if you crave something fresh and exciting they are, perhaps, a group to avoid.
