Tumult

Qui Incenditur is another project created by Gonius Rex, the mind behind Onirik and also the defunct Mors Liberatrix. Now this new project brings new rules to the table, though G.R., have been playing since the early 90's with Mors Liberatrix. "Tumult", presents us with four tracks, simply entitled as "Tumult I" in a sequence of four. We can look at these as songs as chapters for a dark version of a Dantesque play that is performed in the most deep of the deepest abysses of Hell. Soundwise, Qui Incenditur's sound is way more powerful and complex than the type of sound we're used to hearing in Onirik, which is much more raw and incisive. I must point out that the drums are electronic (factor that I run from when it comes to music, or more specifically, metal) a factor that is quite noticeable along the Demo. If you don't focus your attention too much into it, you will hardly tell that is a machine. In the midst of this whole, it's just a minor detail and it's me just being picky. The bass is quite noticeable too, and you can feel his haunting presence along the album. The biggest highlight goes straight to the guitar work featured here on "Tumult".

G.R. plays in an almost insane and delusional way, creating layers and layers of riffs that feels like a nest full of snakes swirling and crawling between each other. Riffs that seem crafted after well taken lessons from the French black metal school, where G.R. focused in the Deathspell Omega and Blut Aus Nord chapters. But don't expect that Qui Incenditur is just another copy-cat of the aforementioned bands like many others that strive to be the next big thing, no. Qui Incenditur has a mind, body and soul of its own. Qui Incenditur sounds like... Qui Incenditur.

Tracks like "Tumult I" start with an (un)holy chorus of fallen angels that soon are devoured by the flames of Hell, brought here through the pounding drums, the pungent bass line and the swirling hypnotizing guitar chords as the voice of G.R. (here as almost a darker, corrupted version of Mikko Aspa) elevates us to the cosmos from where we have this misanthropic vision of humanity while pledging unholy devotion to the Dark Lord. The rhythm of the track is quite dynamic whether he speeds up or he slows down, but without never loses control of it. The variations of the tempos are indeed one of the most attracting factors that intrigues me in this Demo.

"Tumult II" appears almost stuck to the previous track, as a sequel. Keeping the same tone and structure, while "Tumult III", one of my favorite tracks, pulls off some really enjoyable decaying guitar notes in the background, although G.R. slows down things a bit here, the whole atmosphere still has a strong sulphur stench. It doesn't have to be filled with blast-beats, ice-cold screeching screams and barriers of tremolo picking to sound nefarious. Here you have four whole tracks, clocking around 6 minutes each, to prove it. "Tumult IV" closes the Demo in all of its glory with G.R. summoning a black mass pledging his devotion to the Demonic Legions. The keyboard makes its appearance once again, enhancing even more this atmosphere, taking it to epic and dramatic levels. Brilliant.

The tracks on "Tumult" have depth. Created by innumerable layers consisting of each instrument, but most of all, they have this powerful density, which results in a rather esoteric, infernal and intoxicating atmosphere. The whole sulphurous atmosphere created in these four chapters by the nefarious preacher G.R. is at least, suffocating. He's the master mind behind the whole concept: lyrics, music and artwork. I'm more than proud to know that this one man band shares the same land as I. But that's not why i enjoy this Demo. "Tumult" is by far one of the best and most interesting portuguese black metal demos I have had the pleasure to hear. It introduced me to another level within the black metal genre.

Last notes: Though the sound production although is not superb, it's still great (even if it features an electronic drum set). It has very skillful guitar work and benefits especially from the evil vocal work by G.R. In thinking that this was made by one man only, you have to give credit just for that. In overall, "Tumult" is a great essay to honor the Black Legions and the Lord Lucifer. Oh praise thy...