Insanitude

I want to talk to you about Scent Of Darkness project, after waiting patiently for the album to arrive via the mail, I finally received it. From Italy this is the first EP album since their formation in 2018 has ensured this recording is not bad, focused release with no hints of inexperienced songwriting often found in some bands early efforts. This album also boasts cover art, with the image depicting a lonely figure on a mirror - poignant symbolism of the isolation, depression and loneliness described in the lyrics.

Consisting of just two main members, this cd is an journey of funeral doom with a palpable sense of melancholy, reminiscent of Saturnus and Doom:VS. The vocals consisting of powerful growls (very similar to Thomas A.G. Jensen of Saturnus) and occasional clean vocals which provide sharp contrasts to the distorted guitars, Moreo use open chords on his guitar, who also have write all instruments part on the album, in addition to writing the music for the tracks. The use of orchestrations is a nice touch, a sign of classical music influence.

'Insanitude' begins with Reborn track, and starts off with a surprisingly solemn heavy riff that leads into some darkness emphasis. The vocal are power and Moreo create dark melodies lines on the guitar. The second song, 'Trust Issues’, is the second longest on the album, clocking in at a bit over 7 minutes, but the length of the track is of no detriment as it features some nice melodic riffs and spoken word vocals that make for an interesting change in tone colour. Anyway, in this track we have ‘Gray Ravenmoon’ on vocals. ‘Crowded Solitude’ doesn't sever the atmosphere built by the albums early songs. Open with a clean guitar arpeggio’s and after the power chords and the growls vocals have create a good feel.

‘Whispers From Nowhere’ is the last track, it is a new dark song when we have many parts recited by another guest, ‘Mario Clames’. This track speak about psychosis and the guitars, vocals and the orchestration have create an intense atmosphere. Production is good, this album reminds me a lot of Doom:VS.

This is a highly emotive record, filled with many great elements, such as melancholy, great vocals, nice atmosphere, and heartfelt lyrics. Anyone who is a fan of Ahab, Saturnus, Doom:VS, Novembers Doom or any of the bands mentioned in this review would do very satisfied.