Fides Inversa are a duo that hails from Rome, Italy; formed in 2006, they debuted in 2009 with their first full-length Hanc Aciem Retundit Sola Virtus. The second album, released at the end of 2014, is a remarkable effort in the artistic and creative path of this band, which proves to be looking for a personal sound that breaks the typical mold of black metal. The result is Mysterium Tremendum et Fascinans, an album containing seven songs identified by Roman numerals.
I would say that the trademark of this album is certainly represented by the thrashy touch of a good amount of riffs, which vaguely resembles Mayhem, while some melodic riffs are somewhat in the manner of Gorgoroth, as in “II”. Of course these are rough indications, because Fides Inversa have elaborated their influences in a personal and original way. This band is often said to make dissonant riffs in the manner of Deathspell Omega; these two Italian guys surely know the French band, but I do not hear the complicacy of Deathspell Omega, or dissonances, with the exception of some bendings that may sometimes create a slightly dissonant effect. The riffing of Fides Inversa is much more linear, while Deathspell Omega are much more intricate. It is surely safe to say that Fides Inversa do not disdain unconventional sounds, so to speak. For example “I” is an instrumental intro with slow and obsessive riffs that are almost sludge-doom; it is a crescendo that leads to the second song “II”. The highlights are certainly “IV”, for the majestic and eerie chorus, and the melodic and intense “V”, which also contains an orchestral section. The production is very good and clean, and the technical performance excellent. I like the screaming of drummer / singer Omega AD, especially when he yells wildly, but sometimes his singing sounds too much like an imitation of Eric Danielsson of Watain, which is particularly evident in “VI”. The lyrics allude often, as in VI, to religion, but in a deconstructive way.
Although sometimes this album gets a bit dull, especially in the closing “VII”, Mysterium Tremendum et Fascinans is really an appreciable and remarkable effort of originality and creativity. Fides Inversa have proved to have their own idea of black metal and managed to give a personal touch to their sound that has an unmatched feeling. Some excellent songs make Mysterium Tremendum et Fascinans a very interesting album. To be listened to!
Notes:
Release date: October 31 2014 on World Terror Committee.
Tracklist:
1. I
2. II
3. III
4. IV
5. V
6. VI
7. VII
Personnel:
Omega A.D.: Drums, Vocals
Void A.D.: Guitars, Bass
Text by Herjann
herjann@unholyblackmetal.com
I would say that the trademark of this album is certainly represented by the thrashy touch of a good amount of riffs, which vaguely resembles Mayhem, while some melodic riffs are somewhat in the manner of Gorgoroth, as in “II”. Of course these are rough indications, because Fides Inversa have elaborated their influences in a personal and original way. This band is often said to make dissonant riffs in the manner of Deathspell Omega; these two Italian guys surely know the French band, but I do not hear the complicacy of Deathspell Omega, or dissonances, with the exception of some bendings that may sometimes create a slightly dissonant effect. The riffing of Fides Inversa is much more linear, while Deathspell Omega are much more intricate. It is surely safe to say that Fides Inversa do not disdain unconventional sounds, so to speak. For example “I” is an instrumental intro with slow and obsessive riffs that are almost sludge-doom; it is a crescendo that leads to the second song “II”. The highlights are certainly “IV”, for the majestic and eerie chorus, and the melodic and intense “V”, which also contains an orchestral section. The production is very good and clean, and the technical performance excellent. I like the screaming of drummer / singer Omega AD, especially when he yells wildly, but sometimes his singing sounds too much like an imitation of Eric Danielsson of Watain, which is particularly evident in “VI”. The lyrics allude often, as in VI, to religion, but in a deconstructive way.
Although sometimes this album gets a bit dull, especially in the closing “VII”, Mysterium Tremendum et Fascinans is really an appreciable and remarkable effort of originality and creativity. Fides Inversa have proved to have their own idea of black metal and managed to give a personal touch to their sound that has an unmatched feeling. Some excellent songs make Mysterium Tremendum et Fascinans a very interesting album. To be listened to!
Notes:
Release date: October 31 2014 on World Terror Committee.
Tracklist:
1. I
2. II
3. III
4. IV
5. V
6. VI
7. VII
Personnel:
Omega A.D.: Drums, Vocals
Void A.D.: Guitars, Bass
Text by Herjann
herjann@unholyblackmetal.com