![Deus Mortem – The Fiery Blood [EP] deus mortem – the fiery blood [ep]](https://www.vm-underground.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Deus-Mortem-The-Fiery-Blood-Cover.jpg)
Info
- Band(s): Deus Mortem
- Label(s): Malignant Voices, Terratur Possessions
- Release Format(s): 12" vinyl, CD, EP
- Release Year: 2020
- Review Date: November 30, 2022
- Author(s): FelixS
Although both Malignant Voices and Terratur Possessions usually are pretty much the epitome of quality Black Metal, the Polish Deus Mortem had not quite fully convinced me. Their previous output was decent, but was unable to near most of the other bands on the labels rosters. Their Death Metal induced Black Metal had pretty much all the right musical ingredients, but somehow never seemed to really stick. Their last effort, ‘Kosmocide’, from 2019 and released by the very same two labels, had me lost the hope that the band would ever reach the same heights as most of their label peers. Which is fine, after all not all bands or releases can be equally good and there is also the element of ‘personal taste’ that plays a role. But while diving in Terratur Possessions’ most recent releases I decided to give Deus Mortem’s last, despite effort, despite being already two years old, a go…
The problem, to me, with the earlier recordings was that it had all the basic elements to make it a great record: the whirling riffs, dissonant soundscapes, creative drumming and a pitch black atmosphere, but it never seemed to fit very well together. ‘The Fiery Blood’ sounds a lot more cohesive, but above all, the tracks are very well written and leads you right along hauntingly dragging Mayhem-like intricacies, rocking Urgehal or Carpathian Forest riffs and galloping drums that gives the whole thing a much more dynamic feel. The atmosphere clearly benefits on the tempo changes, while the faster parts still aren’t really that special, the slower passages are definitely the bands’ best asset, almost nearing Marduk’s later work. But, the dynamics that lives right between those pace differences make this EP a much more versatile piece of work, and quite a lot easier to enjoy too. But, without giving in on anything that made Deus Mortem the band they are, meaning, the slight Death Metal edge is still very much present, and the same goes for the remotely dissonance in the riffs – mostly heard in the longer drawn out riffs. Another compliment has to be given to drummer Stormblast who seemed to be able to deliver his best and most creative work so far, all those rapid and subtle drum fills seem to be something that is getting increasingly typical for Polish Black Metal.
Deus Mortem is a band that has had some great exposure and critics over the past years, something that I had a hard time relating to, even after spinning some of their records again prior writing this review, but for me it now all started making sense. As if the band needed a little more time fitting everything together, it now seems to flow much more naturally. I am sure I will not take another two years to check out a new record by these Poles.
Malignant Voices
- Country: Poland
- Style: Black Metal
- Links: Homepage, Facebook, Bandcamp