In an old interview with Unholy Black Metal, founder and leader of Mortuary Drape Widness Perversion stated that the historic Italian band was working on a new album and that the Drape was back. For the uninitiated, Mortuary Drape are an old and glorious Italian black metal band from Alessandria, active since 1986; in 2014 the band released their latest full-length album in ten years. The previous full-length Buried in Time dates from 2004 and is quite different from the band’s older masterpieces, since it is characterized by a death metal-esque and perhaps more brutal, but less atmospheric sound. Since then, Mortuary Drape have been active with a series of EP's and compilations, but it took 10 years to churn out a new full-length. I would say it was well worth waiting for it: Spiritual Independence has recovered the old occult and ritualistic aura, and a thick, funereal atmosphere.
After the instrumental “The Hiss”, “Lithany” and “Once I Read (Marble Tomb)” are a real ride leading to slower and even melodic moments, such as “Natural Death (1930 to 2011)” and “Mortal Remains (Your Bones)”. The funereal atmosphere permeates the lyrics as well, almost to the point of necromancy:
“Marble tomb, lapid dolmen tomb.
Tumulo, tombstone without name.”
from “Once I Read (Marble Tomb)”.
The album is solid and cohesive, although “Immutable Witness” begins with a melodic solo that I do not find suitable to the context; but other than that Spiritual Independence is a trve occult black metal album. “Black Candle” is an instrumental interlude after which the ride begins again with another three memorable songs, the last of which being the eponymous song of the album.
I would also like to point out the remarkable technical performance of all the musicians, including Wilderness himself, who this time, unlike Buried in Time, took also care of the drums besides the vocals, as he used to do in the old days; the choice of a less polished sound than the previous album seemed apt to me. I definitely would confirm that the Drape is back! Guarantee!
Notes:
Release date: November 14 2014 on Iron Tyrant
Tracklist:
1. The Hiss
2. Lithany
3. Once I Read (Marble Tomb)
4. Natural Death (1930-2011)
5. Mortal Remains (Your Bones)
6. Immutable Witness
7. Black Candle
8. Ignis Fatuus (Deaf Space)
9. 1600 Gnostic Year
10. Spiritual Independence (The Farewell)
Personnel:
Wildness Perversion - Drums, Vocals (lead)
DC - Guitars, Vocals (backing)
S.C. - Bass, Vocals (backing)
SR - Guitars (lead), Vocals (backing)
Text by Herjann
herjann@unholyblackmetal.com
After the instrumental “The Hiss”, “Lithany” and “Once I Read (Marble Tomb)” are a real ride leading to slower and even melodic moments, such as “Natural Death (1930 to 2011)” and “Mortal Remains (Your Bones)”. The funereal atmosphere permeates the lyrics as well, almost to the point of necromancy:
“Marble tomb, lapid dolmen tomb.
Tumulo, tombstone without name.”
from “Once I Read (Marble Tomb)”.
The album is solid and cohesive, although “Immutable Witness” begins with a melodic solo that I do not find suitable to the context; but other than that Spiritual Independence is a trve occult black metal album. “Black Candle” is an instrumental interlude after which the ride begins again with another three memorable songs, the last of which being the eponymous song of the album.
I would also like to point out the remarkable technical performance of all the musicians, including Wilderness himself, who this time, unlike Buried in Time, took also care of the drums besides the vocals, as he used to do in the old days; the choice of a less polished sound than the previous album seemed apt to me. I definitely would confirm that the Drape is back! Guarantee!
Notes:
Release date: November 14 2014 on Iron Tyrant
Tracklist:
1. The Hiss
2. Lithany
3. Once I Read (Marble Tomb)
4. Natural Death (1930-2011)
5. Mortal Remains (Your Bones)
6. Immutable Witness
7. Black Candle
8. Ignis Fatuus (Deaf Space)
9. 1600 Gnostic Year
10. Spiritual Independence (The Farewell)
Personnel:
Wildness Perversion - Drums, Vocals (lead)
DC - Guitars, Vocals (backing)
S.C. - Bass, Vocals (backing)
SR - Guitars (lead), Vocals (backing)
Text by Herjann
herjann@unholyblackmetal.com