Search - Algaion :: Vox Clamentis

Stellar Swedish black metal

ixion75 | 07/19/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Recorded a mere six months after the duo's first lp, 1995's _Oimai Algeiou_, the _Vox Clamentis_ EP is a testament to Algaion's unique style. Shifting, restless and incessant drumming (courtesy producer and Hypocrisy bandmember Peter Tägtgren) provide the perfect backdrop to Mårten Björkman's always-tortured vocals and Mathias Kamijo's guitar grind. The sound is an odd flavor of black metal that plays tricks on the ear by seeming both fast and slow simultaneously: the pulsating drumming aligns with the grandeur of the riffing spectacularly, creating what may be Algaion's most accomplished release. Songs like the title track and "Throughout Times" are ferocious in their tonality, while "See What Is To Come" and "Cupidus Imperii" have playing that is chilling in its beauty-- something found only rarely in this genre of music.The band, who claim to be influenced by themes as diverse as early 20th Century Futurism and Nietzschean philosophy, went on to release a second album as different from their first as black metal is to thrash. Any disc by Algaion is recommended for its brutality and its originality; the band are as close to a progressive grindcore as is possible. Those looking for more information on them are free to consult my other reviews and the band's website, although nothing has been heard from the band's camp since 2000's _Herostratic Legacy_ (a recording I am still trying to find-- please e-mail me if you found a copy.) Meanwhile, a side project called Vergelmer supposedly has a first album out."