The ancient demon Zemial has once
again made his disturbing appearance
more than evident, with a new full-length
release after a whole decade (with
2 mLPs and a couple of other tracks
recorded inbetween). Having in their
curriculum a flattering past in the
first steps of the Hellenic black/death
scene (with acts like Nocturnal Death,
Varathron and Agatus) plus some tours
worldwide later on - after
they moved to Australia and more
on, after settling back to Europe
(in Germany this time) - this couldn't
be a recording of some amateurs.
Add the fact that brothers Vorskaath
and Eskaarth The Dark One have been
playing some progressive stuff with
Alpha Centauri, this new album (released
by their own label, ΝΥΞ),
should have showed interest. And
so it does!
"In Monumentum" is a
title that could have been inspired
by the lyrics of the songs featured;
showing a nostalgic and epic mood,
yet the band itself makes it clear
that it is wholeheartedly destined
to the memory of Andreas Forsberg,
a.k.a. Quorthon of Bathory fame.
No wonder why this happened, from
the very first days of the horde
their music has been possessed by
the ill-natured tunes of the aforementioned
Swede, and especially his first three
albums. Having the relevant wisdom
to do so, plus move forwards musically,
this new album brings to mind the
second period of Bathory, but with
the hints of a Zemial trademark sound
uncovered. The great - as presented
numerous times in live environment - musicianship
of Vorskaath is respecting their
monicker, and the new songs are not
babbling nor showcasing something
that is alien to the traditional
sound. Good addition is a couple
of lines in Hellenic language in
the lyrics as well, to my surprise.
You won't listen to "Fullmoon
Necrophilia" Pt.II here, nor "Nocturnal
Witch"; long epic tracks with
a stable rhythmic basis are the order
of the night in the album. Exceptions
are "Born of the Crimson Flame" and "Riddle",
bearing the trademark sound, close
to Bathory's 3rd opus of course.
Too bad that "In Monumentum" lasts
only 37 minutes, it somehow ends
quickly. And in case you've
been following the band from its
first steps or praised "Face
Of The Conqueror" mLP from
2003 like the infamous Fenriz did,
don't
tell yourself that you haven't
been warned for its heavy metal basis.
I shall add here that in case Zemial
play somewhere near you, it's
a live experience for from what it's
used to for acts of its kind... Join!
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