DEATHSPELL OMEGA - Fas - Ite, Maledicti, in Ignem Aeternum

Dealing with subjects such as Satanism and the occult, however approached at a metaphysical level, Deathspell Omega is a distinct presence in extreme metal, while also being the most important exponent of the organization and label Norma Evangelium Diaboli. In 2004, the phenomenal Si Monumentum Requires, Circumspice gave them the aura of a cult black metal band and brought them unanimous recognition in the underground; the album is considered one of the essential releases of this genre. Marketing or not, the mystery that surrounds the members of this band from the very beginning (no details whatsoever are known about whoever is behind this project) has enhanced the band’s obscure appeal. The philosophy of Deathspell Omega states that the individual is not important as such, so the band is represented as an entity, and those that make it up are irrelevant...
Si Monumentum Requires, Circumspice is the first chapter of a trilogy that continues in 2007 with the new album, Fas - Ite, Maledicti, in Ignem Aeternum.  The way in which the human being is affected by the relation with Satan could be a description (albeit superficial) of this trilogy’s central subject. However, the erudition and the profound nature of Deathspell Omega’s ideology requires increased attention to be able to decipher and understand the messages hiding behind lyrics of a complexity that is seldom encountered in black metal. Unlike other bands, Deathspell Omega see music and lyrics as inseparable, completing each other.  The evolution of the thematic field irreversibly alters the musical and visual side of the album, so it wasn‘t possible to find a cover art to better represent falling into the abyss. Musically,  Fas - Ite, Maledicti, in Ignem Aeternum is a terrifying journey in a macabre and dark universe, dominated by a heavy atmosphere – a truly remarkable creation; I have only encountered this feeling of overwhelming chaos at Elend.
Quick and viscerally aggressive parts are broken off unexpectedly by moments of subtly melodic dissonant calm, and then erupt into another violent explosion of diverse sounds. The hallucinating riffs leave no room for repetition. Sometimes you feel that several riffs have been overlapped that seemed incompatible at first, only to fall together into a structure of surprising consistence. Mikko Aspa’s voice fits the sonic ensemble, and the reverb makes it even scarier. I don’t know whether Fas - Ite, Maledicti, in Ignem Aeternum is better than Si Monumentum Requires, Circumspice, but Deathspell Omega have certainly pushed the boundaries of black metal with this album into an area that is almost inaccessible to other bands of this genre.
(+) perfect combination of lyrics and music, song structure, originality
(-) the voice is sometimes covered by the instruments

Dragos P. Nota: 9