Blut Aus Nord is like a shapeless black metal band. Or at least something that assumes a shape but then shifts again. The only consistency with Vindsval and co is evolution and experimentation. I’d argue that one of the treats of new Blut Aus Nord material is the audience reaction. Just reading different people mull over MoRT is always amusing. But it’s been over two-decades and the band remain as interesting and varied as they’ve ever been.
Deus Salutis Meæ (translated: God of My Salvation) is the latest installment in Blut Aus Nord’s discography. And it’s massive sounding. The question immediately springing to mind, in case you haven’t heard this yet, is what genres does the band dabble with this time? And not surprisingly, it’s a tricky answer. The first word that comes to mind is: doom. No, it’s not a doom record. But there is plenty of doomy moments here.
As “δημιουργός” opens the album, we’re left in a sort of prepped/meditative state. The band give us time to settle in as the ambiance skips washes over us like a cresting wave before finally unleashing with“Chorea Macchabeorum." No, it’s not fast or in our faces, rather it’s heavy as hell with a dark industrial vibe to boot. The keyboards of W.D. Feld bring this to life even more, like a jolt of electricity. The song feels like a chant or summoning to really get things moving.
“Impius” darkens things a little more; gets things a little more brooding. It’s a swarm of dread and insects that sound like they’re buzzing in your ear. It’s when the claustrophobia of the record really starts to set in. Like all there is between you and the closing darkness is faint light and the cold exhalation of your breath. “Aprostasis” follows this as well. A fat splat of static and the moan of guitars amongst the hammering drums and bass.
The track “Abisme” is probably the doomiest piece, sounding like the band is about to summon a Great Old One straight from Yuggoth itself. What actually elevates this one is how the following track, “Revelatio,” sounds like the aberration tearing through the dimensions. The track is simply monstrous, screeching and screaming over the blaring industrial black metal and fuzz. Though it’s not one, long frenzied track, it’s one of the most aggressive offerings on the record.
Deus Salutis Meæ is an album you probably already know if you love, hate or are indifferent to, as the song premieres have done justice to promote how this sounds. And as a cohesive whole, it sounds like a ceremony of horror. That said, at this point in Blut Aus Nord’s career, long time followers already know that, as stated earlier, Vindsval and co walk their own path. Deus Salutis Meæ is an aggressive, seething piece that is soaked in dark, violent, horrific atmospheres. It’s only crime is making me wish there was more.
Score: 8.5/10
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