Malauriu and Lykten are both black metal bands from Italy and this is their split.
Malauriu are first up, contributing three songs, lasting 10 minutes in total.
Ares Irae opens, which is essentially just an intro track of acoustic guitars and ominous drums. It sets the scene well enough for the next song – Goat Metal – which immediately explodes into blackened mayhem. It’s a sharp, twisting assault of razorblade riffs and dark aggression. Mixing first and second wave influences with a touch of thrash, it’s an enjoyable song with some strong guitars.
The final song is a cover of Devo’s Mongoloid. I know the song well due to countless metal bands covering it over the years. Malauriu’s version is well-executed and has a grim charm all of its own.
Lykten’s side is next, delivering three songs over 12 minutes. We’ve met Lykten before on last year’s When the Clouds Approached and Covered the Moon, and although that was a good introduction to the act, these new songs are an even better one.
…of Wind starts us off and soon reveals that the artist behind Lykten knows how to effectively set atmosphere. After the macabre opening it’s an aggressive display of blackened proficiency that hits the spot. I like the inclusion of deeper growls in addition to the more traditional screams too.
We then come to The Siege, a song that once again demonstrates that Lykten are a force to be reckoned with. Armed with deadly riffs and an unforgiving atmosphere, this might actually be an even strong song than the opener. It’s a tough call, as both are really good. After the song’s extended fade out ending, we get the split’s closing track Liturgy, which is unusually expressive and strangely unnerving for an outro.
This is an enjoyable split from two bands that put in a good showing. I liked what Malauriu provided us with, but it’s Lykten’s songs that steal the show for me. Either way, this is worth picking up if you’re a fan of the black metal underground.
Wonderbox Metal 