dark reviews

Melencolia Estatica - Letum (2008)
Aeternitas Tenebrarum Music Foundation

This is the follow-up to their previous slef-titled album & debut which left me with a very good impression.Letum is again a very good effort by Climaxia (yeap,the mainwoman of the band).With an improved production in terms of warmth and an organic feel 'Letum' hits off strongly with an Ulver inspired song that sets the mood convincingly. The melodies have an authentic nineties black metal feeling, an era rightfully revered by many. Now I'm not a guy that dwells in the past but it made me feel a bit nostalgic. Melencolia Estatica avoids clichés gracefully and therefore keeps it relevant. The melancholic mood is preserved throughout the album even though the blast-beat is the dominant rhythmic backbone. 'Letum' carefully balances between emotive parts and high-speed aggression. The result is an emotionally engaging black metal album of high quality.

8,5/10