FAS - ITE, MALEDICTI, IN IGNEM AETERNUM

I have been interested in this band for a very long time, and one of the main reasons behind my interest is because of the mystery behind them. No one knows who these guys are, they don't play live, all we know is that they are French.

The French metal scene over the years has become definitely one of the most interesting, especially the Black Metal scene, with bands like Blut Aus Nord making some of the darkest music in music history. Back in the day, Deathspell Omega did have a more traditional low budget black metal sound, but over the past few years, there production style has progressed, with this album in particular showing a fulcrum between their future more cleaner sounding production.

The production on this album is a mixed plate for me. Sometimes I love the sounds that are being produced, especially the guitar sound, which sounds like a blood laced razor. The negative side is the use of echo which can at times oversaturate the sound, especially with the drums and the vocals. The drums are also turned up a bit too high in the mix which can at times take effect away from the vocals. Although, I must admit, the drums on this album are completely insane.

The album's opener and closer "Obombration" is a rather interesting composition. The intro sounds like monks summoning the devil while the closer sounds like the trumpets of heaven proclaiming the apocalypse.

"Bread Of Bitterness" one of my favourite songs on the album is a rather interesting piece. One of my favourite moments has to be the guitar solo in the beginning. It's one of the most unique and insane guitar solos I've ever heard.

"A Chore For The Lost," the album's closer starts off rather soft and creepy. Silence almost emerges before an explosion happens and scares the hell out of you (I have to admit I jumped a bit). A brilliant way to close of the themes of the album and to even hear them again at the end.

In conclusion, this is one of the darkest albums I've ever heard. The music of this album and especially the production just sounds like the soundtrack to the end of the world, but with an evil twist. This band and especially this album really isn't an easily accessibly album, but I would say that it is an experience. If you want to hear some of the darkest sounds ever made, give a listen to this, and then try Blut Aus Nord's "Mort", cause it's another bullet to bite.

8.3/10