Albionic Hermeticism, the one-man project of O. W. G. A., returns with their latest opus, “Nova Nativitas Mundi” (New Birth of the World). This conceptual black metal album delves into a bizarre and fascinating narrative – a royal alchemist’s quest to establish a new Galactic Imperium fueled by dark forces. Let’s embark on this occult space opera, track by track, and see if “Nova Nativitas Mundi” blasts us off to celestial black metal glory or leaves us tethered to the earthly realm of confusion.
Track-by-Track Voyage Through the Occult Cosmos:
- Prologue (1:51): An unsettling soundscape sets the stage. Eerie chanting and swirling ambience create a sense of unease, hinting at the dark rituals to come.
- Act I: The Devil in a Conical Flask (10:36): The album explodes with a furious black metal assault. Blast beats erupt, guitars churn with dissonance, and O. W. G. A.’s vocals contort into a rasping shriek. The lyrics, steeped in alchemical symbolism, depict the royal alchemist’s pact with a malevolent entity disguised as Jesus Christ.
- Act II: Nova Nativitas Mundi (9:33): A moment of warped grandeur emerges. The tempo slows slightly, allowing space for a haunting melody to intertwine with the distorted guitars. The lyrics explore the construction of a cosmic vessel destined to carry the corrupted crew to their interstellar dominion.
- Act III: Agios! The Cosmic Temple of Satan Reborn (10:33): The album dives deeper into chaotic black metal territory. This track is a relentless display of sonic violence, punctuated by unsettling samples and ritualistic chanting. The lyrics depict the construction of a temple dedicated to the dark power that now controls the mission.
- Epilogue (5:18): A sense of chilling closure descends. The music fades into a desolate soundscape of distorted drones and faint whispers. The lyrics, if present, remain shrouded in mystery, leaving the listener to ponder the fate of the cosmic alchemists and their newfound allegiance.
Verdict: 3.5 out of 5
“Nova Nativitas Mundi” is a challenging and ambitious listen. Albionic Hermeticism crafts a dense atmosphere of esoteric lore and cosmic dread. The raw and lo-fi production perfectly complements the music’s unsettling nature. O. W. G. A.’s sole instrumentation is impressive, particularly the swirling guitar work that creates a sense of disorientation. The vocals, while harsh and often buried in the mix, effectively convey the narrative’s dark undercurrent.
A minor caveat: Listeners unfamiliar with black metal’s harsher aspects might find the album’s relentless aggression overwhelming. The cryptic lyrics and esoteric themes might also be a barrier to entry for some.
However, for fans of atmospheric black metal with a deep well of conceptual intrigue, “Nova Nativitas Mundi” offers a rewarding journey. Albionic Hermeticism successfully blends esoteric lore with blistering black metal fury, creating a unique and unsettling listening experience. This album is a testament to the power of one-man projects to push the boundaries of extreme metal.
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