INFESTUS — Ex | Ist (review)

INFESTUS — Ex | Ist album cover Album · 2011 · Atmospheric Black Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
J-Man
German black metal is often characterized by war-themed lyrics and never-ending blastbeats, but if that's what you're expecting from Bavaria-based black metal act Infestus, prepare to be let down. Rather than living in the shadows of the genre's pioneers, this one-man black metal act has developed its own brand of atmospheric black metal - and it is delivered spectacularly on Ex ‏| Ist. This, the third full-length album from Infestus, is an extremely impressive masterwork from Andras that should satisfy most black metal fans seeking an adventurous listen.

The music on Ex ‏| Ist is atmospheric black metal, but with a few twists. Long, semi-progressive compositions characterized by sinister and evil atmospheres make up virtually the entire album, and Andras does a fantastic job conveying this dark feeling. Tortured vocals, punishing black metal riffs, and relentless drumming are very much present on Ex ‏| Ist - but that's certainly not all the album has to offer. Dark atmospheres are conveyed throughout the entire album, using more melodic sections with keyboards or acoustic guitars to help create fantastic contrast between the heavier sections. Melody is also present throughout much of the album, even without utilizing these additional instruments. The way Infestus manages to seamlessly blend harsh black metal with melody and atmosphere is truly outstanding. And to think that this entire effort was created by only one man makes it even more remarkable!

Unlike many one-man black metal acts, the musicianship on Ex ‏| Ist is actually fantastic! Andras is a great musician, and his drumming and fretwork particularly stand out. The drum patterns on Ex ‏| Ist are truly punishing and the varied guitar styles are also noteworthy. I also enjoy his tortured, low-register vocal style quite a lot. Another surprising aspect of Ex ‏| Ist is the sheer strength of the production - although this may turn off some old school black metal purists, I think the clear and professional sound here is spectacular.

I was very much impressed by this effort from Infestus, and I have no hesitation in calling it one of the best black metal albums that 2011 has to offer. Ex ‏| Ist is one of those few albums that manages to create an absolutely sinister atmosphere without ever sounding monotonous or boring. It may take a few spins to latch on, but it's certainly worth letting Ex ‏| Ist reveal itself over time. This is an album that's challenging, emotional, and professional in every sense of the word - that spells out quality for me. 4 stars are well-deserved in this case.
Share this review
more

Review Comments

Post a public comment below | Send private message to the reviewer
Please login to post a shout
No shouts posted yet. Be the first member to do so above!

Review Index

Member Zone

Username:
Password:
Stay signed in

Metal Subgenres

Artists Alpha-index

MMA TOP 5 Metal ALBUMS

Rating by members, ranked by custom algorithm
Albums with 30 ratings and more
Master of Puppets Thrash Metal
METALLICA
Buy this album from our partners
Paranoid Heavy Metal
BLACK SABBATH
Buy this album from our partners
Moving Pictures Hard Rock
RUSH
Buy this album from our partners
Powerslave NWoBHM
IRON MAIDEN
Buy this album from our partners
Rising Heavy Metal
RAINBOW
Buy this album from our partners

New Metal Artists

New Metal Releases

Rot Stink Rip Death Metal
TOMBSTONER
Buy this album from MMA partners
Human Rosin Melodic Metalcore
HATE BREEDER
Buy this album from MMA partners
Through The Hell Hardcore Punk
ENEMY 906
Buy this album from MMA partners
Lightmatter: Rebirth Deathcore
EARTHGAZER
Buy this album from MMA partners
Eye Of Horus (Lightmatter EP Pt. 2) Deathcore
EARTHGAZER
Buy this album from MMA partners
More new releases

New Metal Online Videos

Agremorta - Adrocitas (Official Lyric Video)
AGREMORTA
Bosh66· 5 days ago
Agremorta - Ploratus Umbra (Official Lyric Video)
AGREMORTA
Bosh66· 5 days ago
Agremorta - Vertex Membrana (Official Lyric Video)
AGREMORTA
Bosh66· 5 days ago
HAIL SPIRIT NOIR - The Temple Of Curved Space (Official Track Stream)
HAIL SPIRIT NOIR
adg211288· 5 days ago
In Sulfur - The Gate (OFFICIAL VIDEO) 2022
IN SULFUR
Bosh66· 5 days ago
More videos

New MMA Metal Forum Topics

More in the forums

New Site interactions

More...

Latest Metal News

members-submitted

More in the forums

Social Media

Follow us
Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook fan RSS Feed