Deitus – Via Dolorosa (I, Voidhanger Records. 2018).
You are immersed in the inescapable pitch-black waters of the primordial Chaos in that initial dark, brooding hum, which soon gives way to the malevolent melodies and solos that build the tension of the first song, Hallowed Terror. As the tension reaches a critical point, it is released as the fire and fury of Tartarus are unleashed. This is masterful Black Metal in the style of Dissection and Watain, with killer riffs that will intoxicate and possess you that are brimming with beauty and terror in equal measure and which achieve that feeling of the transcendence; a blessed malevolence of unholy majesty and might, as if one were in direct communion with the forces of Anticosmic Chaos. The title song Via Dolorosa is a work of art. The melody that starts off the song, whilst somewhat subdued, still has a haunting beauty and a great emotional strength to it, as it seems to conjure a sense of loss and alienation that is accentuated with the solo on top of it. Soon these builds, as the drums kick in, and a change in riff occurs, full of power and might, and you find yourself melting away and being completely consumed by the fury. Solos evocative of classic Heavy Metal albums add to this all-consuming beauty, this haunting beauty, especially the one that helps close this fantastic song. It is hard to describe the atmosphere, other than saying that it brings forth the smell of incense, the feeling of the dread magnificence of Chaos, that timeless state to which the world will once more return. It feels like an act of devotion, a true soundtrack of worship for the dark forces that permeate our existence. This is especially so on the final song, Atonement, which possess a malevolent numinous atmosphere. You can feel yourself melting back into the transcendent, primordial Chaos as the song reaches end. The production is great, with all instruments perfectly balanced, and I particularly enjoy the guitar tone. This a killer album and a fantastic follow-up to the debut Acta Non Verba.
8/10.
Related links:
DEITUS interview
Deitus – Acta Non Verba (Ulthar Records. 2016).
SADISTIC SCREAMS 