CoC : Martyrum Omnium - War Code : Review

Martyrum Omnium - _War Code_
(Inner Voice Records, 2007)
by: Quentin Kalis (5 out of 10)

I have lost track of the number of black metal bands that use ambient pieces as mood setting interludes, intros, outros and the like, but Martyrum Omnium have to be the first to adopt the minimalist strains of clanging metal and other effects akin to Raison d'Être than the usual neoclassical meanderings. It's not as nuanced as Raison d'Être, but it's a valiant attempt. It's just a pity that the same quality is not displayed on their meat and potatoes work, which is essentially a variation on the icy ferocity of classic Immortal and the necrotic stylings of Darkthrone with a touch of Dark Funeral-esque 'norsecore'. It's not exactly a groundbreaking formula, but for those whose tastes in black metal lean towards the raw and the relentless, this may provide some enjoyment.

Contact: http://www.innervoicerecords.se

(article published 2/7/2008)