Music review: Deathspell Omega - Si Monvmentvm Reqvires, Circvmspice (2004)

I could write a novel about DSO's discography as, for once, the hype is justified: they truly are one of the most important 2000s' black metal acts.

And yes, their "debut" (well, aesthetically speaking) is what I pick as their best release. Not the acclaimed Paracletus, the overrated Fas - Ite, Maledicti, in Ignem Aeternum nor the excellent EPs.

The reason is mainly that everything after it, while ranging from good to near-perfect, lost that special occult/darkwave-y atmosphere in favour of the ubiquitous signature sound that gave birth to the so-called "dissonant black metal" (plainly misguided, when you know about Ved Buens Ende or Abigor's Channeling the Quintessence of Satan).

And I love me a good atmosphere, like that provided here by the three prayers. The subdued mix (compared to Kénôse/Fas Ite) is also a nice synergy, transforming boring walls of deafening blast beats into an hypnotic background abrasion.

So there you have it, their most varied and evocative release. The only wrong note here is the last two tracks which obviously don't belong in here, even more after that "Carnal Malefactor" masterpiece sounding like the perfect closer. The last one doesn't even sound like it was recorded/produced during the same session…