These Italians first became known when they released their debut two track demo in 2007, which then got released as part of a 4 way split. In early 2008 the band started to perform live in the Italian and European underground scene supporting bands like Behemoth, Origin, Dying Fetus, Hate Eternal, Suffocation, Napalm Death etc. At this time they were known for their work as a brutal death metal band, but soon started to move into a more symphonic area, combining the brutality with choirs and orchestras. In 2011 Francesco Ferrini, the pianist and orchestrator who had worked with the band from the beginning, joined as full-time member which enabled them to have even more grand symphonic arrangements on ‘Agony’, while ‘Labyrinth’ takes it to a whole new level.
Somehow, the combination of a death metal band at full power with an orchestra also giving its’ all enhances the brutality and rawness, as well as providing a very different dynamic. There are moments during this album when the listener just has to take a step back in awe as the combination of choirs, strings, brass and metal with death growls is incredibly powerful. If ever music could be described as being totally ‘over the top’ then it is this.
The mixing and mastering work of Stefano “Saul” Morabito is just stunning, with everything perfectly balanced. In fact, the only real concern I have about this is how on earth are they going to be replicate this in a live environment? Brutal, symphonic, powerful, amazing. This is one of the finest metal albums you will come across this year, whatever the sub genre.
