Infernalia (Fauno Extreme Art Productions)

 This album is the first and only work at the time of this obscure Italian Black Metal entity formed by Mancan (Ecnephias - Valkiria) who, accompanied by several guest member form bands like Ecnephias, Obscure Devotion and Valkiria, created this richly arranged opus. The music of “Infernalia” can be labelled as an extreme and baroque Black Metal with Death Metal traces and atmospheric passages. The Metal rusticity is present in shape of Death Metal tinged riffs complemented by a heavy and muscular drum work, which drives the whole music through varied structures that ranges from soothing atmospheric passages to Black/Death Metal madness… The vocal work of Mancan is an undisputable trademark, ranging from Gregorian-like chants to raspy mid toned growls. The operatic clean tones are certainly remarkable, very strong and passionate; contributing with some healthy doses of variety and intensity which is perfectly reflected at the vocal outro “La Notte del Culto Versione Opera” or at the album’s intro “Monastero”, this last one even reminded me to some vocal passages at Therion’s “Vovin” album… but unlike the Swedish band, Abbas Taeter maintains an obscure and extreme feeling during the 30 minutes this opus last. A discrete keyboard work enormously contributes here with mysterious ambiances, with some piano melodies and even some clavichord-like sounding passages, increases the whole medieval and occultist atmosphere that surround the entire album. “Infernalia” is also the first release of Mancan’s own label called Fauno Extreme Art Productions setting a good reference for future productions with a strong sound and a simple, yet coherent album art… This album is certainly a strong debut and a solid album, especially recommendable for those who enjoy the most ornate and elegant side of Black Metal. (AP)