VLTIMAS

Something Wicked Marches In

BY Jack KelleherPublished Mar 28, 2019

8
I don't know what dark rites transpired to summon this unholy trinity, but to the congregants of the black mass that brought us VLTIMAS, you have my thanks. The new supergroup brings together some serious heavy hitters in extreme metal, namely David Vincent (Morbid Angel), Rune "Blasphemer" Eriksen (Mayhem) and Flo Mounier (Cryptopsy). Their debut obviously has a lot of hype to live up to, and Something Wicked Marches In is here to deliver the goods.
 
This record is an exhilarating blackened death metal experience, an ode to all things cold, sinister and satanic. David Vincent is at the top of his game here; his death growls are delivered with a devilish charisma, exemplified by tracks like "Monolilith" and "Diabolus Est Sanguis." Blasphemer's fretwork cuts like an icy blade in the black metal tradition, while breakneck riffs and Flo Mounier's inhuman drumming bludgeon your ears.
 
Every song on this album finds a way to sinks its claws into you and pull you in. It's dynamic without ever diluting its attitude, like the eerie chiming guitars that break up the death metal onslaught of "Truth and Consequence." Rampaging tracks like that are balanced with brooding dirges like "Last Ones Alive Win Nothing," the chanting on which gave me chills. Everything feels fleshed out and refined.
 
Something Wicked Marches In is an essential release. Everything it does, it does well, and is sure to please fans of black and death metal.
(Season of Mist)

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