FAS - ITE, MALEDICTI, IN IGNEM AETERNUM

Deathspell Omega's second concept album surrounding their philosophical contemplation of Satanic metaphysics is a real treat for those who don't mind (or positively enjoy) a little Satan in their metal and are interested in experimental black metal formats which stretch the boundaries of the genre. As well as including some intriguing quiet moments between its eruptions of black metal fury, the album is also significantly more varied than many avant-black metal albums when it comes to the actual rocking out - at points they create a chaotic wall of noise, but there's moments where almost traditional metal riffing will break out unexpectedly here and there. Initially impressive, on repeated listens this gets annoying - it feels like the traditional elements soften the avant-garde material and the avant-garde presentation covers for weaknesses in the traditional playing and songwriting.