Patria – ‘Nihil Est Monastica’

This fifth album from the Brazilian duo of Mantus and Triumphsword is very much an homage to the traditional values of late ‘80s / early ‘90s black metal.  And it carries no pretensions about being otherwise.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-GRCarR-JE]

Each of the 12 tracks (the titular opener is very much a cinematic-style intro, and one which sets the mood for the dankness of what is to follow) is built on a solid foundation of aggressive, almost doomy rhythms and grinding riffs which Lucifer himself would be pleased to have shredded.  Triumphsword (who does, it must be admitted, highlight my own personal gripe about some of the genuinely daft names pursuers of the left hand path choose to adopt) has the right depth of menace to make his vocals effective in their dark delivery.

The production values are also very high, giving the feeling that this is very probably what the early output of Emperor, Tiamat and their ilk would have sounded like if they had had the benefit of modern technological improvements, but also manage to retain the rootsy earthiness which Patria seek to achieve.

Dark, atmospheric, brooding and intimidating in places, this album achieves exactly what it sets out to do, and is a rewarding listen for aficionados of the genre.

Track list:

1. Nihil Est Monastica
2. Conquering Death’s Palace
3. Dark Cosmic Legend
4. Nyctophilia
5. Ravens Almighty
6. Altar
7. Sacro Vale Dos Enchantos
8. Ascendant Of Darkness
9. Evoking The Ancient Spirits
10. Storm Before Eternity
11. The Silence Of The Thrones
12. The Death
13. Black Vomit (Sarcofago cover)

‘Nihil Est Monastica’ is out now via Drakkar Productions.