The Finns GLORIA MORTI mix up well known ingredients of Black and Death Metal to a refreshing cocktail which could satisfy or even enthuse fans of these two different stylistics.
After a short introduction called Deathstream (Anthologies Of Lifestream) the musicians unleash the beast in consequent but at the same time controlled manner, combined with an average portion of aggression without missing out groovy elements. The artists try to create a majestic as well as dark atmosphere and take care to be a little bit different from other groups of the same style. Consequently, they integrate the keyboard in an elegant way, just right in time at right places. The named instrument does not take on the melody lead but weaves adept sound carpets creating an effect similar to the one Emperor used to arouse some years ago. Concerning music, GLORIA MORTI intertwine elements of Nordic Black Metal and American or Polish Death Metal. The result is an explosive mixture offering catchy as well as complex nuances. In addition, the voice oscillates between intense screeching and sinister growling. Every now and then the musicians apply oriental melodies and throttle speed adeptly to attach additional dynamics. This tactic enriches the track Prophet Of Esophorus lumbering along in intense mid tempo. This piece of music turns out to be the highlight concerning songwriting on this release entitled Eryx. Afterwards, Zyklon’s Destructor plays a guitar solo during the “official” concluding song Sands Of Hinnom, ere the first bonus track Mesopotamia surprises because of its pure instrumental presentation and modern attachments. In the end, Dreadful Silence marks an intense and rapid punch line.
All in all I miss compositions offering egregious quality continuously; also the voice does not reach outstanding intensity comparable to Nergal’s incredible organ. Partly the 40 minutes are really cumbersome, but this tactic guarantees for a certain long term effect on the other hand. As a result many positive aspects stay, beginning with the playful keyboards and the fine elaborated guitar chords. I hope that the band can enwrap their numerous ideas in more suspenseful and surprising compositions next time so that the listener is not just diverted but captured by the musical presentation.