EP REVIEW: Umbra Mortis – Deus Mori

Manchester’s DEUS MORI are one of the fastest rising acts within UK black metal. Since the release of their debut EP, And From the Trenches Bore Darkness, and with a plethora of excellent live shows, the band have been able to establish a small, but loyal, fan base in little over a year. Their latest EP, Umbra Mortis, builds upon the many strengths of their debut, and sees DEUS MORI begin to slowly but surely expand their sound.

After the atmospheric Rendezvous With Death sets a haunting, foreboding tone for what’s to come, Obsequies In Earth launches into a powerful slab of mid-tempo black metal with razor sharp guitars, dense bass hooks, thunderous drums and feral vocals, which throws in lots of excellent, chaotic flourishes that give this song an intense edge. It’s a very immersive, catchy track that sees the band begin to experiment a little with their sound. Under the Sigil of Death carries forward this musical template, with bleak rhythms and slick, soaring lead guitars providing plenty of memorable moments throughout, with intricate drums and arid, acidic vocals injecting this song with a visceral intensity. It’s a brief, yet brilliant, offering that is sure to quickly become a fan favourite.

Ritual Silence sees the band ratchet up the pace, with precise, almost punk inspired drum hooks, and fast, caustic guitar lines giving this song a lively and energetic feel right off the bat. The vocals, although utilised far more sparingly than on the previous tracks, prove to be extremely effective, and add an acerbic, vitriolic side to the music. The bass, once again, is able to come to the fore more prominently, adding a short interlude that preempts a crushing, military motif that works incredibly well, leading into the songs second half which sees the music become more focused and aggressive. This is a fantastic, eclectic affair that it’s extremely hard not to love. The end of this track blends seamlessly into Umbra Mortis/Suicide In The Trenches, an amazing mix of palpable ambience and morose, melancholic black metal. The music never truly sheds the intensity that has marked the record up until this point, with cacophonous passages and brooding, doom-laden moments making for a diverse and enthralling sound. It’s a great way to bring this record to a close, ending this EP on arguably one of its highest notes, with the use of poetry in the tracks closing moments bringing the record full circle.

With the release of And From the Trenches Bore Darkness, DEUS MORI had set themselves an extremely lofty hurdle to surpass, and it’s safe to say that Umbra Mortis has exceeded the expectations that its predecessor had provided this record with. The music, on all fronts, is catchier and instantly memorable, and it’s clear that the band are gradually developing and mastering their own sound. DEUS MORI have trimmed what little fat there was in their sound with this record, leaving only lean black metal in its wake. Whatever they do next will have to be impressive in order to top this.

Rating: 9/10

Umbra Mortis is out now via self release. 

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