This is the debut album from US black metallers Wrath of Logarius.
Crown of Mortis contains 37 minutes of modern black metal, incorporating elements of death metal to make a highly compelling whole.
However, it should be said – Crown of Mortis doesn’t start well, as it opens with the sort of pointless intro that’s just annoying. There’s another one later too, which is at least musical in nature, although just as disposable.
Ignoring these two tracks though, Crown of Mortis hits the spot. The promo blurb states that this is for fans of Gaerea, 1349, and Dark Funeral, which illuminates Wrath of Logarius’ core sound well – this is a mix of old and new, manifesting as a modern black metal entity of spectral melody and sleek aggression, with outbursts of blunt brutality. You can detect an aspect of blackened deathcore in places too, (Worm Shepherd, Mental Cruelty, etc), which brings Crown of Mortis further into the contemporary blackened sphere. Another few band references to throw in that came to mind a couple of times – Anaal Nathrakh, Der Weg Einer Freiheit, The Sun’s Journey Through the Night, and Wiegedood. Also, the singer of Grima guests on one track too.
The well-crafted songs are really damn good. They’re satisfyingly intense and enjoyable to listen to. The music combines blackened brutality, venomous darkness, and sorrowful melody very nicely. On occasion, the band slow things down and focus on atmospheric worldbuilding, (Of the Void is a great example of this), and this works a treat.
Crown of Mortis is a strong debut from this notable new band. This scratches my modern black metal itch and then some.
Highly recommended indeed.
Wonderbox Metal 