PORTRAIT — Crimen Laesae Majestatis Divinae (review)

PORTRAIT — Crimen Laesae Majestatis Divinae album cover Album · 2011 · Heavy Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
UMUR
"Crimen Laesae Majestatis Divinae" is the 2nd full-length studio album by Swedish heavy metal act Portrait. The album was released through Metal Blade Records in May 2011. Since the release of their 2008 self-titled debut album, Per Karlsson has replaced Phillip Svennefelt as the band´s new lead vocalist.

Phillip Svennefelt was close to being King Diamond incarnate, and as a consequence the band´s debut album was more or less a Mercyful Fate worship album, but Per Karlsson is a less King Diamond worshipping lead vocalist. I say less though, because there are still clear references to Mercyful Fate/King Diamond in both the vocal department and in the instrumental parts of the music. So this is still what I would characterize as a worship album.

The atmosphere reeks occultism and horror and the band play powerful and energetic traditional heavy metal with both raw riffing and melodic leads and themes. Per Karlsson is a skilled vocalist and his vocal style is varied and powerful. The rest of the band are well playing too. The material is generally well composed and overall "Crimen Laesae Majestatis Divinae" is a pretty strong album. That feeling is only further enhanced by the suitingly raw and powerful sound production. If you can live with the clone factor or maybe even look for acts that sound like Mercyful Fate, I can highly recommend a purchase. If you look for something a little more original sounding, look somewhere else. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.
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