Vehemency
Death’s Tyranny, released by Uncelestial’s predecessor Uncreation’s Dawn, was a masterpiece album. Thus my expectations were really high for this new band, and luckily Born with Lucifer’s Mark did not disappoint. Musically there’s not many changes: very aggressive black metal with certain death and doom metal influences, executed with surprising technicality. The technical aspects are underlined on this release, and also the production is a bit clearer than on Death’s Tyranny.
The music hasn’t lost its power, quite the opposite actually. Diabolik’s vocals are as utterly insane as always, generally a bit lower than usually in black metal, although his vocal range does go from higher screams to very deep grunts. Sadisst’s unique guitar melodies and riffs are there also. I’m not exactly sure how I could describe his style but his playing is somehow pure gold to my ears: kick-ass metal riffs, screeching and almost atonal melodies with some haunting solos. Behind the drumkit sits a new drummer and you can hear it by his more technical and rapid execution.
”Accursed Ram” provides probably the most violent music Uncelestial or Uncreation’s Dawn (or any other metal band, to be honest) has come up with so far, and so does the oppressive title track that ends the album in a weird atmosphere, a combination of melancholy and insanity in a way. The preceeding tracks ”Werewolf Winter” and ”Raging Hordes” are of high quality also, but when compared to the last two songs, they do pale in comparison. The piano intro is no surprise for those who have heard Death’s Tyranny where it was a common element.
Born with Lucifer’s Mark proves that the band is one of the more interesting acts in the underground black metal scene at the moment. I believe that four stars is an appropriate score, although it means it’s very strong four stars. I wouldn’t surprise if these guys will top this release later on because they indeed have their own style going on and it works very well.