Cross posted from RC:
Ok, late to the party on this, shame on me. While a bit uneven, this is definitely a high quality slab of atmospheric & melodic black metal. My favorite tracks are "Waning" (which is definitely the most immediate track on the album and had me headbanging from the word go with it's incredibly infectious lead riff - this would be an outstanding opening track in a live setting), as well as "Hymn to Iniquity" & "Countless Reverie In Mare" (two exquisite examples of soulful, atmospheric pieces of art - at once both hypnotic & emotive). The riff that begins at the 2:44 mark of "Hymn to Iniquity" is absolutely unforgettable and just jaw dripping with emotion.
The only real drawbacks for me personally are the at times high pitched "squealy" quality of the growls, I much prefer the vocals when the pitch is kept at lower levels. In addition, the opening track "De Mortalitate" doesn't do the rest of the album justice IMO with it's too straightforward and well..... "chaotic" sound without any real discernable melody or groove. I don't think it does a very good job at setting the table for the mood of the album to come and may put off those with short attention spans. Lastly, I could do without the 7 minute keyboard passage that ends the song "Simulacrum of Mirrors" - I think what they were going for there could've been condensed to about a minute and been far more effective instead of lulling me to sleep. Otherwise, the track is solid.
Very cool stuff overall and I'm greatly looking forward to checking these guys out at Heathen Crusade III. If they perform "Waning", "The Palterer", "Hymn to Iniquity" & "Countless Reverie in Mare" and do so effectively - they have a great chance at being one of the more memorable acts of the festival.
Thanks again to Ars Magna for not giving up and continuing to nudge me in their direction.
Jason
Ok, late to the party on this, shame on me. While a bit uneven, this is definitely a high quality slab of atmospheric & melodic black metal. My favorite tracks are "Waning" (which is definitely the most immediate track on the album and had me headbanging from the word go with it's incredibly infectious lead riff - this would be an outstanding opening track in a live setting), as well as "Hymn to Iniquity" & "Countless Reverie In Mare" (two exquisite examples of soulful, atmospheric pieces of art - at once both hypnotic & emotive). The riff that begins at the 2:44 mark of "Hymn to Iniquity" is absolutely unforgettable and just jaw dripping with emotion.
The only real drawbacks for me personally are the at times high pitched "squealy" quality of the growls, I much prefer the vocals when the pitch is kept at lower levels. In addition, the opening track "De Mortalitate" doesn't do the rest of the album justice IMO with it's too straightforward and well..... "chaotic" sound without any real discernable melody or groove. I don't think it does a very good job at setting the table for the mood of the album to come and may put off those with short attention spans. Lastly, I could do without the 7 minute keyboard passage that ends the song "Simulacrum of Mirrors" - I think what they were going for there could've been condensed to about a minute and been far more effective instead of lulling me to sleep. Otherwise, the track is solid.
Very cool stuff overall and I'm greatly looking forward to checking these guys out at Heathen Crusade III. If they perform "Waning", "The Palterer", "Hymn to Iniquity" & "Countless Reverie in Mare" and do so effectively - they have a great chance at being one of the more memorable acts of the festival.
Thanks again to Ars Magna for not giving up and continuing to nudge me in their direction.
Jason
