Vltimas will be inevitably categorized as a supergroup since this new band features Rune “Blasphemer” Eriksen (ex-MAYHEM, AURA NOIR), David Vincent (ex-MORBID ANGEL) and Flo Mounier (CRYPTOPSY) that joined forces to create crushing hymns to darkness on the anticipated debut album “Something Wicked Marches In”.
The title track symbolizes the exquisite dark music pathway chosen by Vltimas with ominous melodic accents that introduce a massive killer combo of fierce drumming and belligerent guitar riffs certainly inspired by traditional death metal dynamics amplified by David’s signature obscure growls and spiced up by tasteful guitar licks.
The primordial darkness of “Praevalidus” comes to life through a brutal approach generated by relentless rhythmic blasts that hit you in the face yet within such hellish sonic realm guitar leads have the opportunity to craft intense darkened melodies.
“Monolilith” is still drenched in darkness and the rhythmic patterns can slow down significantly to emphasize the dramatic grim vocal delivery and the refined sinister guitar phrases that add a sense of impending doom and gothic grandeur to the classic death metal backbone.
Darkly inspired atmospheres & arpeggios open “Last Ones Alive Win Nothing” leading to compelling dismal soundscapes while a series of opulent guitar melodies inevitably evokes a whirlwind of tormented feelings easily matched by David’s menacing growls.
On “Marching On” darkness continues to be triumphant as abrasive guitar riffs and monumental drums generate anthemic death metal segments within an asphyxiating sonic realm while once again the lead guitar work stands out crafting sophisticated melodies.
The fact that Vltimas is the joint effort of brilliant musicians foreshadows the uncompromising strength and the serious effort incarnated by “Something Wicked Marches In” which will definitely satisfy all acolytes of extreme metal with its palpable diabolical charm.