🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: Abyss
Track 2: Anti
Track 3: Ramblin’
Track 4: Breath
Track 5: Hear Me
Track 6: Lullaby
Track 7: Requiem In Do Diesis Minore
🎸 Album Review:
Italian black metal outfit Afraid of Destiny returns with their latest offering, ‘Contra Omnes’, a haunting and intense journey through darkness and despair. The band’s fourth studio album delves deeper into their signature sound while exploring new territories, showcasing their growth and maturity as musicians.
From the opening track “Abyss”, the listener is immediately drawn into a world of bleak atmospheres and chilling melodies. The album’s sound is characterized by a perfect balance between aggression and melancholy, with razor-sharp riffs and thunderous blast beats intertwining with haunting keyboard passages and anguished vocals. The production is raw yet clear, allowing each instrument to shine through and creating a dense sonic landscape that envelops the listener.
Thematically, ‘Contra Omnes’ delves into themes of nihilism, inner turmoil, and existential dread. The lyrics, delivered with venomous intensity, paint a bleak picture of a world devoid of hope and salvation. The album’s title, which translates to “against all”, perfectly encapsulates the band’s defiant stance against societal norms and expectations, embracing darkness and chaos as a form of liberation.
Standout tracks on the album include “Anti” and “Breath”. “Anti” is a relentless onslaught of furious riffs and frenetic drumming, showcasing the band’s technical prowess and unbridled aggression. The track’s venomous lyrics and menacing atmosphere make it a highlight of the album, leaving a lasting impact on the listener. On the other hand, “Breath” slows down the tempo, allowing for a more atmospheric and introspective moment. The haunting melodies and tortured vocals create a sense of desolation and despair, drawing the listener deeper into the band’s twisted world.
In comparison to Afraid of Destiny’s previous albums, ‘Contra Omnes’ represents a natural progression in their sound and songwriting. While their earlier works were more straightforward and aggressive, this album demonstrates a more nuanced and mature approach to black metal. The band’s ability to seamlessly blend elements of melody and brutality sets them apart from their peers, showcasing a depth and complexity that sets ‘Contra Omnes’ apart as a standout release in their discography.
Overall, ‘Contra Omnes’ is a powerful and uncompromising album that solidifies Afraid of Destiny’s position as one of the most promising acts in the contemporary black metal scene. With its intense atmosphere, captivating melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics, the album is a testament to the band’s dedication to their craft and their willingness to push boundaries and challenge conventions. ‘Contra Omnes’ is a must-listen for fans of atmospheric black metal and a testament to the enduring power of darkness and despair in music.