IN CAUDA SEMPER STAT VENENUM

This early version of "Antonius Rex" released some quite bizarre albums for the year. No wonder that these were re-released under the "Black Widow" label (even if no relation with this other great band is granted).

It all starts with a great opener full of heavy Hammond organ (but this is the TM of this band). The mood is all set: what the listener is going to experience is quite avant-garde music (remember that this album was released in 69).

Very few albums from this year can really compete with the dark moods featured here. It is mostly instrumental (and organ driven), which might draw down the attention of some listeners.

The band is flirting with the very heavy sounds during "Triumphatus Sad". When you know that this was recorded in '69, one can only be respectful. Sabbath and Purple might have borrowed some sounds in here?Some early Floydean music is also noticeable when the short "Vereficium" is being played.

The lack of vocal parts and the wholly gloomy atmosphere might be a break on some more positive feel about this precursory band. While most prog giants were releasing gentle pieces of music, "Jacula" set the pace for another style of music.

Of course, this album remained unnoticed while released and probably will always remain a quite discreet part of the prog history for ever. Still, if ever you have the chance to listen to this work, you might well be VERY surprised.

If I should rate this album on a pure quality level, three stars would be the bill. But bearing in mind that this work was released in '69, that it holds such bizarre songs, quite adventurous for the era, I am upgrading this to the next level.

Four stars. Quite an experience!