Sobre as Ruínas da Batalha... Por Uma Lusitânia Triunfal

Here are some guys that have quickly become some of my favorite black metal artists. On the continuum of black metal these guys hang around the (extremely) lo-fi, folk end. At first glance someone might see this as poorly produced, and poorly executed (which it certainly is) - but its all in the philosophy and intention of the artists themselves that allows me to get past this. It is clear on this 199 hand numbered tape release that these guys are not in the least bit concerned with sleek production and huge sales. What is clear is that all they want to do is make the music and present the vision. They have an idea to represent, in presenting the vision of Lusitania, and come to find out after a wikipedia search its kind of interesting stuff historically.. Its not NSBM, but rather a modern representation of an ancient culture- and with "Viking Metal" being played out since Bathory, its a fresh interest.

The band effectively incorporates sounds from battles, as well as sounds from nature in feeding the image they represent. The other really cool thing is the incorporation of a woodwind, flute like instrument. They experiment and they do it quite well within the confines of its lo-fi and "first take" motivation. You can hear the drum part screw ups, and you can hear the missed notes and the timing get screwed up, and basically any flaw you could imagine. But there is something pure in that. The guitars are really sloppy at times too, but they writer some really interesting parts, stuff that is metal, but definitely has its folk roots going on. So while I generally dont have a taste for crappy musicianship- these two guys get away with it for me. Maybe because its so creative, or maybe because they are so effective at presenting their idea forward in a completely genuine and convincing way? But probably both, and probably in the fact that this is one of a few releases recently where the first time I sat down with it, I listened all the way through to see what would happen next.

So I find myself relaying that this is really a satisfying release, IF, you are one of those strange people (like myself) that is able to look past clear flaws. You must be more interested in the vision, mystery, and getting caught up in that as oppossed to any sheer technicality. If that is something you can do, then this is your thing through and through. If you feel that you need to hear something where everything is clear and precise through and through- then stay away.

But I love this type of shit... It comforts and entertains during strange moods, and on long nights and early mornings.