...Blood Shall Be Spilled...

So let's assume for a moment that there are basically two varieties of genre fusion. One variety works by incorporating multiple musical styles into a unique blend (Sarcofago). Others work by switching between distinct, individual styles, segregating them into separate music spaces (Akercocke). Morrigu seems to represent an adjunct to the former, where only one genre is actually played, but is presented in the aesthetic of another. In this case, melodic death metal is played within a raw black metal aesthetic, not unlike Black Mass Of Absu playing sludge/doom as black metal.

Morrigu's music is essentialy the Gothenburg style we all love (or hate, depending). Many instances from popular Gothenburg groups such as Dark Tranquillity and Arch Enemy (particularly the latter; vocalist Argwaen sounds almost exactly like Angela Gossow) occur, and familiar structures and techniques can be easily noted through cursory examination. however, the raw, buzzing black metal production is what belies this.

Imagine melodeath where everything has been altered in a basic one to one ratio of change. Guitars saw with frantic tremolo picking. Drums blast away, distant in the overall soundstream. However, apart from things like this, there is little to differentiate Morrigu from a legion of other melodeath groups. Thus, a lot of the enjoyment of 'Blood Shall Be Spilled' is based on how long it takes for you to realize its novelty. For me, it was about twenty seconds into 'Bloodraven'. Your mileage may vary.

'Blood Shall Be Spilled' is a mediocre album due to its use of novelty over artistry. While not terrible, Morrigu will definitely require effort to achieve greatness.

(Originally written for www.vampire-magazine.com)