Black Metal for me is harshness, and you can interpret that in many ways, but the vocals need to convey that feeling for me, and Ad Mortem does that excellent.
Introduction
Band: Ad Mortem
Album: In Honorem Mortis
Genre: Black Metal
Country: Germany
Label: Purity Through Fire
Released on: 21 March 2024
Ad Mortem, a band unknown to me, will drop their first full album on the 21st of March, we had the opportunity to listen to it before that date, and we are ready to share our thoughts on it.
Like said, the band was unknown to me, but that makes reviewing a new album and accompanying band even more fun because you go in totally blind (well deaf to be honest), without any expectations. It’s a blank canvas ready to be filled.
So the question to ask is what kind of picture did they paint with their first release?
In Honorem Mortis
The picture is grim and with many layers, the grim part I mean that in a good way, from the start of the album to the end, it’s a barrage of great riffs and pummelling drums. And that’s right up my alley. There is enough change to make it a great listen from end to finish.
The fourth track of the album, Der Letzte Feind is a great example of the above, and if I had to pick one song to that showcase the band, this song would be it. The riffs are great, the vocals are icy and try to pierce your soul, so it’s a great showcase of what the band can do. But the other songs (there are 8 songs in total) are also great.
One of my other favourites is the seventh track of the album Todesstreben, especially the vocals are what makes it a great song (for me), they sound very vile and that’s what I like about black metal vocals, that vileness and iciness needs to seep through. Black Metal for me is harshness, and you can interpret that in many ways, but the vocals need to convey that feeling for me, and Ad Mortem does that excellent.
Furthermore, before we end with a conclusion, an honourable mention to the creator of the magnificent artwork. It’s made by Northem Art. It’s outstanding and when I was younger (long, long time ago), I used to judge the book well CD by its cover before I bought it. And this album art would definitely make me buy the CD back then.
Conclusion
Do you like black metal that’s fast but still contains many melodic sections, then this album is a must-listen for you. For all the other black metal fans out there that are not sure, go check it out.
BMZ Rating: 7,5 out of 10 (explanation of ratings here)
You can buy the album here: In Honorem Mortis | Ad Mortem (bandcamp.com) and listen to Todesstreben by clicking the video below;
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