What was announced as a „sophisticated fusion of progressive atmospheric metal with electronic sounds…” actually emerges as black metal.
Tome III: Terra Mentis is the third record of Czech band ESSENCE OF EXISTENCE and is seemingly the third part of a special concept. Tome III: Terra Mentis contains three chapters with each three songs plus intro and outro and ties in with the end of the predecessor Tome II: Ephemeris Sun.
Musically I feel remembered of Limbonic Art and Arcturus. Terra Mentis is very complex and varied. From raging black metal attacks, classic keyboard walls up to the already announced electronic sounds and samples, female singing (reminds a bit of Sarah Jezebel Deva in Cradle Of Filth), fast changes in pace, breaks and symphonically wide melodies can be found on here. Singing changes between typical black-metallic scream-like vocals, growls and also clean singing on different levels. Now and then the music gets a significant oriental drive (Echoes In Mindshadows), where the leads follow the special female singing. Call it progressive black metal. Despite of all these sounds, samples, stylistics and influences ESSENCE OF EXISTENCE manage not losing the thread or to overload the songs. But it doesn’t mean that Tome III: Terra Mentis is an album one can get an easy access to.
Spiritless, Bewildered Reason and Unveiled Astral Paths sound quite organic, while Desire Fragments is an instrumental.
Open-minded prog metal fans should at least check this band out. Black metal purists better stay away ;)