Antigos Ritos da Neblina e da Lua Cheia

Vulturine and Trono are two of the most consistent bands in the Brazilian black metal underground. Although the Brazilian scene is characterized by violent death/black metal acts (such as Sarcófago, Goatpenis, and Mystifier) or dark, gloomy black metal (like Songe d'Enfer or Malkuth), Vulturine and Trono both aim for more traditional and standard ideas of black metal. Expect dissonant chords echoing with reverb as shrieking vocals tear through a blast beat wall, tremolo riffs, melancholic leads, and everything made famous by Norway.

First of all, I need to say that there are two versions of this release: the tape version and the CD version, both with distinct tracks and production. If you have to choose, pick the CD one. I got the CD from Trono's drummer, Arcanum, in 2022. I was unaware it featured a different tracklist until the moment I opened the package. What a pleasant surprise.

Vulturine opens its side with a ritualistic instrumental. We can hear distant drums in some sort of midnight funeral procession. Then we are hit with a new (and refreshing) version of an old song: 'Sarcoramphus Papa'. A punishing riff accompanied by hypnotic drums leads us further inside the ritual that began in 'Não Há Uma Luz no Fim Do Tunel...'. This track appears to represent what the band aims to be: a misanthropic, inhuman being of hate. However, this side is lacking something, perhaps because Vulturine is offering an old song and a cover, nothing really new. This gives this side of the split a great sense of promotional material. Don't get me wrong; it's a nice release, but compared to Trono's side... oh, boy...

The CD version of Vulturine's 'side' begins in the same way, with the same ominous track. But now we get two new tracks, with another ritualistic piece in between. I suppose these tracks were not recorded in the same session as the tracks on the tape version. Maybe the band felt the same as I did and aimed to go from promo tracks to something that could be released as a solo EP. This works magnificently. The last track has some thrash elements mixed with W's morbid vocals, a great improvement from the previous version.

Flipping the tape, Trono evokes our most frightening nightmares. Its signature dark and evil black metal is so underrated that it actually pisses me off. The two tracks on this side of the tape surpass many discographies I love. There is not a single musical aspect that is new; all elements here have been tried in countless songs by countless bands. What makes Trono great is that somehow, true evil is embedded in the music. You will feel it. I just can't describe it. Every time I put on this tape, I can't help but stare at the speakers in disbelief. When 'Tochas Acesas em Aldebaran' ends, you feel as if you have watched 'Gummo' for the first time. Please, go give it a listen if you haven't already. On the CD, there are two additional tracks, recorded just for this release, as Arcanum later told me. Slower and darker than the first two, this recording makes me wonder what Trono could have done next. Sadly, this 2013 release was the last thing Trono created and released to the public as of 2023.

The Tape score is 80% (Due to Trono's side alone), the CD score is 90%.