And the puzzle continues to be eternal, no matter when or how an OFERMOD recording arises. Such can be said for Mysterium Iniquitatis, which sees the original lineup joined together once again – Belfagor on guitar and vocalist Nebiros (MALIGN, MEPHORASH) – with session bass by Magnus “Devo” Andersson (ex-MARDUK) and session drums by Calle Larsson. Indeed, Mysterium Iniquitatis immediately reminds of that infinitely influential Mystérion Tés Anomias EP, but tempered by age, experience, and poise. At once martial and mesmerizing, fiery and furious, but executed with a crispness and finesse that’s the penultimate in professionalism, Mysterium Iniquitatis presents OFERMOD at their tightest and tautest, their characteristically malefic melodicism taking on new contours when put through such a startlingly accomplished soundfield. Likewise, Nebiros’ vocals bring back the grimness of yore, straddling past, present, and future with equal aplomb; his clear enunciation truly raises the hackles. The production – courtesy of Andersson at Endarker Studios – cuts like a gleaming knife and rusty axe simultaneously, the perfect iron-fisted complement to the band’s ever-surging and ceaselessly unfolding songwriting here. Special mention must be made of the male choirs on the opening title track – courtesy of Thomas Ericksson (Year of the Goat) and Lars Broddesson (ex-MARDUK) – conveying a grandiosity beyond compare.
Notes:
Mysterium Iniquitas was released on December 3, 2021 through Shadow Records.
Personnel:
Belfagor: Guitars
Nebiros: Vocals
Session musicians:
Magnus "Devo" Andersson: Bass
Calle Larsson: Drums
Thomas Ericksson: Vocals (choirs) (track 1)
Lars Broddesson: Vocals (choirs) (track 1)
Thomas Karlsson: Vocals (track 8), Lyrics (track 3)