Mortuus De Contemplanda Morte
The Ajna Offensive flame40 April 4, 2007
By Jason Jordan
Swedens Mortuus play a plodding form of black metal that is of high quality despite the tempo at which it is most often relayed. In other words, just because the material on De Contemplanda Morte ranges from slow to mid-pace doesnt mean its significantly less potent than much of what weve seen The Ajna Offensive unleash. Nevertheless, while Mortuus impress with their full-length, its honestly not up to the level of craftsmanship weve heard from the likes of labelmates Antaeus, Deathspell Omega, Funeral Mist, Secrets of the Moon, Watain, et al, but I say that because I typically prefer fast, rip-roaring BM to its slower, depressing alternative. If youre searching for a complement to the releases above, however, DCM is indeed a worthwhile investment.
Even though this duo march along at a laidback pace, there are a couple exceptions to the norm the beginning of Astral Pandemonium and the end of The Illumination of Job. Otherwise, De Contemplanda Morte is a comfortable yet somber ride with plenty of traditional BM elements. Rarely do Mortuus venture into previously unexplored territory , if ever, but still manage to convey a sense of despair without employing much originality. Several aspects parallel common USBM traits such as tone, tempo, etc. see Supplication for the Demise of All Withdrawal into the Lifeless Sanctum for details though this outfit are unmistakably Scandinavian. The vocals are different than most because theres an echo effect in place, which may be intentional, and while the growls-cum-echo are off-putting at first, theyre easier to handle once accustomed.
De Contemplanda Morte is a very good debut that does Ajna Offensive proud, even if its not quite up to snuff with other entries in their catalog. The unsettling atmospheres are great often unrelentingly gloomy and its apparent that DCM is a success. I recommend Mortuus as a breather between their faster peers.
Official The Ajna Offensive Website
The Ajna Offensive flame40 April 4, 2007
By Jason Jordan
Swedens Mortuus play a plodding form of black metal that is of high quality despite the tempo at which it is most often relayed. In other words, just because the material on De Contemplanda Morte ranges from slow to mid-pace doesnt mean its significantly less potent than much of what weve seen The Ajna Offensive unleash. Nevertheless, while Mortuus impress with their full-length, its honestly not up to the level of craftsmanship weve heard from the likes of labelmates Antaeus, Deathspell Omega, Funeral Mist, Secrets of the Moon, Watain, et al, but I say that because I typically prefer fast, rip-roaring BM to its slower, depressing alternative. If youre searching for a complement to the releases above, however, DCM is indeed a worthwhile investment.
Even though this duo march along at a laidback pace, there are a couple exceptions to the norm the beginning of Astral Pandemonium and the end of The Illumination of Job. Otherwise, De Contemplanda Morte is a comfortable yet somber ride with plenty of traditional BM elements. Rarely do Mortuus venture into previously unexplored territory , if ever, but still manage to convey a sense of despair without employing much originality. Several aspects parallel common USBM traits such as tone, tempo, etc. see Supplication for the Demise of All Withdrawal into the Lifeless Sanctum for details though this outfit are unmistakably Scandinavian. The vocals are different than most because theres an echo effect in place, which may be intentional, and while the growls-cum-echo are off-putting at first, theyre easier to handle once accustomed.
De Contemplanda Morte is a very good debut that does Ajna Offensive proud, even if its not quite up to snuff with other entries in their catalog. The unsettling atmospheres are great often unrelentingly gloomy and its apparent that DCM is a success. I recommend Mortuus as a breather between their faster peers.
Official The Ajna Offensive Website
