The Pitch: An encorceling debut release from black metal band Ossomancer ft. Proscriptor McGovern (Absu) on drums via Pacific Threnodies. FFO: Immortal, Satyricon, Rimfrost
What I Like: Ossomancer had me at the thick, cold atmosphere and blackened thrash riffs of At The Heart Of Winter-era Immortal, but the inclusion of Proscriptor on the kit is some serious icing on the cake. I think for most black metal fans the review could stop right there. From the mammoth, reverb-thick production to the grim, commanding vocal performance, this is a bar-setting debut indeed. True to the cover art, Artes Magickae is pure worship of ancient deities and frostbitten, unforgiving landscapes. Play this album during a full moon and Thoth himself may emerge from the depths.
Critiques: While I appreciate the drama and vocal dynamics, "Chiromancy" gets a little goofy at times. More generally, the first half is much stronger than the second.
The Verdict: While a little inconsistent, Artes Magickae makes me excited for the future of Ossomancer. Add this to my short list of more traditional black metal releases that really caught my attention this year.
Flight's Fav's: Necromancy, Aeromancy, Scapulimancy
- Review by FlightOfIcarus
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