ICTUS — Imperivm (review)

Album · 2007 · Crust Punk

5/5 · 2012-09-29
renkls

A Spanish album I've long considered a personal favorite of mine, and though I don't feel it fits completely in the genre in which it is placed on this site as of yet, I feel obligied to review it regardless. You should not go into this album expecting a pure metalcore assualt for 39 minutes straight. I'd personally view this album as melodic death/heavy metal, with crust punk and hardcore influences up to its ears. Normally this kind of subgenre would not incite a great deal of enthusiasm for me, but this album is a whole different can of worms. This is one 39 minute epic, a suite of massive proportions, and to me, probably the best album of 2007.

I came across this, like 90% of my music through obscure means. Someone mentions a one track album of hardcore crust punk and my ears prick up. My expectations are moderate, I try and maintain a level head. It sounds right up my alley, as some tag it as melodic death metal; so I'm thinking ala Edge of Sanity's seminal Crimson. It's got high praise on other review sites as well, so I'm looking forward to it.

It didn't blow me away the first time I heard it. It definitely has melodic death metal tinges, melodic interludes and a suite like structure. However, I persisted. It stands as a high point above most of, if not all of its respective genre residents, powerful, direct and consistently entertaining. There's no moment that seems out of place or abruptly jarring, its flow is as smooth as they come. The real highlight is the brilliant drum performance throughout, aggressive where it needs to be, suitably melacholy at others, especially melodic breaks.

This is a deeply political album, focused unwaveringly on American political griveances; the scars of which may never stop being felt in countries torn apart by wars or poverty. The band is pointedly direct in their accusations: "It's the world against you."

I embrace the melding of music and political perspective. Art should seep into all aspects of life, and we should be reminded of the cruelties of the world, humans and ourselves through it. I suppose it is a guility pleasure in itself, an album that drives home the point indeliably, but cannot resolve the problems. The thoughts of just how flawed our world truly is rubs off on me with this album. It doesn't soften the blow once it has run its course, but it makes me feel that little more able to deal with the harsh realities. Problems may never be solved. We may never reach a lasting peace. I certainly don't believe this will be the case, and Ictus certainly don't believe so either.

Imperivm represents their ambitious apex of creativity, coming off their similarly melodic EP, Hambrientos De Un Sol Distinto. Aside from its ambitious layout, the album is never wavering in its political drive and consequent brilliance. Every second feels needed, the brief melodic respites from the hardcore onslaught feels welcome every time I hear it, but I, like Ictus, know that this peace cannot last.

One of the few albums I feel is worthy of the big 5.0 stars.