Maturum Est

Sacrificia Mortuorum won't go down in history as the most original act within the French scene, let alone the rest of the world. However, there comes a time when something unoriginal falls into your lap and simply cannot be ignored. Sacrificia Mortuorum are a band who remind me of life and certain situations that occur during it. The average person goes through their life attempting to achieve something great, but the majority of us are just another face in the crowd. As time goes on and we get older, we come to realise what we have is far more important than chasing unrealistic dreams. Another analogy that can be applied to this French outfit is to do with love. Again, the average person lives their life taking what they can get from relationships. We understand that the majority of them won't work. We won't all get that one beautiful girl we strive longingly to be with, but as time goes by, we come to realise that the emotional core of a relationship contains far more meaning than superficial aspects of life. Sacrificia Mortuorum are the ugly girl of black metal, but though she may be ugly, she has the better personality.

Sacrificia Mortuorum don't pretend to be something they're not. They stick to what they know how to do and they do it incredibly well. Their raw style, mixed with a slice of ambience, is perfect. I think of another French act when I hear sections of 'Maturum Est'. That band would be Malleus Maleficarum. I can hear similarities in terms of guitar distortion and vocals, in a sense. The vocals are typically rasping. They're powerful throughout and don't change, to my knowledge. This form of consistency is actually pleasing to the audience. Sacrificia Mortuorum aren't some sort of avant-gardé act trying to pull off every trick in the book. They keep their sound simplistic and stylish. There are elements of Sacrificia Mortuorum's style that limit their appeal. The percussion is probably the most simplistic element of 'Maturum Est'. Generally, Sacrificia Mortuorum stick to blast beat after blast beat. Each pounding of the drums is rolled on to one another, causing a chaotic appearance to be seen by the audience. This chaotic sound suits Sacrificia Mortuorum's raw nature. Comparisons with the sound the members of the LLN used to create is not surprising in the least. You can seen where the comparisons are made. That buzzing sound, dirty with distortion is rife. There is simply no escaping the distorted side of Sacrificia Mortuorum or 'Maturum Est'.

There are some who might say that the distortion of this full-length might detract from the soundscapes or generally from the instrumental side of Sacrificia Mortuorum, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Despite the fact that the production of 'Maturum Est' is pretty harsh, the instruments can be clearly heard. Even the bass, which is odd for an act like this. If anything, the raw production adds a distinctive dimension to Sacrificia Mortuorum. I could recognise their music anywhere really. The vocals are particularly important in creating a distinctive sound. Despite the fact that they are 'typical' of black metal, they still sound specific to the band, which is pleasing. However, this isn't the best element of 'Maturum Est' for me. It simply has to be the melody which is consistent throughout. That's not to say that the melody is exactly the same on every song because that would be ridiculous. Sacrificia Mortuorum develop lush soundscapes with their distorted riffs and unrelenting melodies. Repetition isn't exactly a favoured idea, which struck me as quite odd for a black metal outfit. 'Maturum Est' doesn't grow old quickly. None of the riffs tend to be repeated for too long, though we do get a slice of tremolo picking for those of us who enjoy old school black metal. 'Maturum Est' is rich in sound and appeals greatly to the senses of the audience. It's true to it's audience and doesn't intend to pull the wool over our eyes. Sacrificia Mortuorum aren't highly original, as I say, but that doesn't stop them from releasing a hellish onslaught in the form of their second full-length. Very, very good.