No idea, why the label tries to sell MMIV Lacrimae Mundi as EVEMASTER’s brand new album. In fact it is just a re-release of the band’s sophomore originally released in 1998. I also cannot hear out any indication that they have reworked the sound or have changed anything else to the better. The band booked studio time for this effort? And – to top off this questionnaire: for what reason they needed to release this album again?
For today’s conditions offered musical work on this album sounds quite frumpy. Just blend slightly hymn-like melodic death metal, mostly played in a high speed with some Iron Maiden-like influences and you will get what you are listen to here. To (re-)record the tracks this Finnish duo even engaged some partly well-known guest musicians (COB’s skin man for example) leaving nothing to be desired at least technically. Production per se on this re-release sounds like being a back number; it’s dull and pulpy, significantly lacking of brilliance. But exactly this kind of metal needs and lives on clear and transparent sound!
Ergo, besides a new cover artwork (?) there are not many incentives to buy MMIV Lacrimae Mundi again. The bonus cover of Dio’s We Rock cannot be the tidbit since the original version of the grand old man is much crispier, offering much more charm. Anyway, track-listing is identical with the first release. Altogether a record for die-hard fans only and such that thought Wither (2003) was the debut. Nothing new on this CD – no rating.