Exsequor - For The Fallen
Self-released
Black Metal
4 songs (22:02)
Release year: 2012
Reviewed by Goat

I've had half an ear out for this project since hearing their Deeds demo in 2008, and four years later mastermind Celentium is back, with a real drummer, a more professional sound, and ultimately a better selection of songs. Always epic, but this time around better able to shape it into effective black metal, this demo represents a fine sample of Exsequor's sound and is proof positive that there's much talent here waiting to be released. Something of a theme runs through the four songs here, linked by tales of Medieval-era tragedy, the feelings of sorrow and anger clear. Satyricon is named as an influence, but I found more of an Enslaved feel to opener Ante Mortem with its swirling melodies and snarled vocals, moving into the band's own original territory as it continues with the keyboards taking the helm atop some nicely technical drumwork, ending on a high after some stylish guitar leadwork.

Fyrdmann turns towards viking territory a little, keeping the keyboards and drums high in the mix and slowing the pace for an even more grandiose, funereal tone. Oubliette is more blasting and fast, discliplined drums and a mournful tone giving the song a Ukrainian feel, and finale Pastoralis Praeeminentiae makes rather wonderful use of clean vocals, with the 'male choir'-style epic keyboards making for quite a spinechilling finish. There's little to criticise and I found myself listening to the four songs several times in a row; always a good sign. This is a much improved sound, and I hope to be reviewing a full-length from Exsequor soon!

Killing Songs :
Ante Mortem, Pastoralis Praeeminentiae
Goat quoted no quote
Other albums by Exsequor that we have reviewed:
Exsequor - Deeds reviewed by Goat and quoted no quote
0 readers voted
Average:
 0
You did not vote yet.
Vote now

There are 0 replies to this review. Last one on Mon Aug 27, 2012 9:20 pm
View and Post comments