ALBUM REVIEW: Mater Larvarum – Deathless Legacy
You should always expect the unexpected with the Italian horror metal sextet DEATHLESS LEGACY. From their fascinating alter-ego inspired costumes to their dark lyrical content, this band have always aimed to portray their true selves whether that be in a music video or live on stage. 16 years later and that is certainly no different. Combining a range of metal genres in their music, including heavy metal, gothic metal and symphonic metal, DEATHLESS LEGACY most certainly recognise how to make music their own. As well as obtaining a very confident and unique group identity throughout their time as a band so far, they are also an extremely experienced six-piece whose line-up includes previous members of groups such as MOTUS TENEBRAE, ATHENA and VISION DIVINE.
Following on from their fourth studio album Rituals Of Black Magic four years ago, DEATHLESS LEGACY are back with their upcoming fifth LP Mater Larvarum. After the success of their recent singles Saturnalia, Legion Of The Night and Your Blood Is Mine more recently, the band are looking to make their mark once again in the industry. This record is a concept album that is set to blow our minds, exploring ‘feminine fierceness, creepy silences and shadows arising from the underground.’
The opening track is Ora Pro Nobis. From the first instance you feel as though you are a spectator in a church setting, with a haunting organ melody and striking male vocals taking the lead. However, the song quickly evolves to feature a memorable metal riff, before kicking things off with impactful lead vocals from Steva (aka Eleonora Vaiana). You are so intrigued to know what’s coming next, and the band keep our attention piqued throughout the track. A powerful guitar solo bridge from guitarist Sgt. Bones just completes this song in the best way possible.
Nightfall begins with a MOTIONLESS IN WHITE style melody before upping the tempo with a striking horror metal influenced riff – the keyboard melody is just amazing. Steva has us completely in a trance with her wonderful vocal range, commanding the song like similar metal frontwomen such as Maria Brink from IN THIS MOMENT and Floor Jansen from NIGHTWISH. Sgt. Bones‘ guitar work is just sensational here, making this song even more spectacular than it already is.
Hollow is another track that keeps our attention. A spectacular keyboard introduction starts things off, followed by a bold symphonic metal influenced riff – it is sure to stick in your head for weeks to come. Steva‘s vocals are even more impactful than ever before, solidifying our impression that she is a powerful frontwoman set to inspire women everywhere. This song sounds as though it could be a future single from IN THIS MOMENT, with Steva‘s vocals again hugely reminiscent of Maria Brink in the chorus.
Fade Into The Dark incorporates more horror metal influences, with some dramatic opening keyboard and guitar melodies getting you ready for what’s to come. Steva‘s vocals impress us yet again, complete with an infectious chorus which is just truly fantastic. Sgt. Bones‘ guitar work remains astonishing throughout, while in The Coven drummer Frater Orion seizes the spotlight. Combined with powerful progressive metal style instrumentals, this is probably one of the strongest openings to any track on the release. Whilst the rest of the song is as striking as ever, it is a little bit more unsatisfying. There is no doubt that the musicianship is as strong as always, but the chorus just lacks a little je ne sais quoi, unfortunately.
Absolution is up next, which starts off with an exciting introduction sounding just like an alarm blaring for attention. These alarm style sounds are a frequent segment throughout the song too, adding some depth to the strong gothic metal type melodies along the way. Moonless Light features another strong beginning, but the track doesn’t seem to progress as well as others on the album, ending up with something which is pretty forgettable and unimaginative as a result. Queen Of The Infernal Pantheon immediately ups the ante with a fast-paced metal riff at the helm. Unfortunately, this song is just like the previous; it just doesn’t offer a lot of inspiration.
Altar Of Bones reverts back to the horror metal genre that DEATHLESS LEGACY are most recognised for. The melodies are haunting yet addictive, with the keyboard elements being the ultimate highlight here. Sgt. Bones‘ stupendous guitar work also shines once again, especially in the bridge segment. Run manages to up the pace, complete with further creepy sound effects, whilst the closing title track leans more into the gothic/symphonic metal genres. Whilst this is most definitely not a bad finish, the chanting section of the song is the most impactful in our opinion.
It has to be said that the first section of the album was much more memorable than the last but despite this, Mater Larvarum is a solid record. You can tell that DEATHLESS LEGACY have been together for more than a decade, as the musicianship is just so polished and perfected throughout this release. There are some sure-fire highlights on this album, such as Ora Pro Nobis and Absolution, to name just a couple. In addition to this, Steva just makes an astounding front woman – a powerful, strong female figure who is sure to inspire women on a completely new level. We are certainly glad that we discovered this band, as they will definitely be on our radar from this moment onwards.
Rating: 7/10
Mater Larvarum is set for release on December 9th via Scarlet Records.
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