Portuguese quartet Maledictus formed from the group Seventh Storm, and usher its rising with its debut release, Lazarvs. The tracks on the album feature dark grooves and gothic riffs that recall fellow countrymen Moonspell. However, Maledictus do not engage in mimicry as Lazarvs shows a band finding its own path. “Exordium” opens the album with an eerie organ and sorrowful strings. It creates a dark enchantment before a funeral bell abruptly ends it.
“Crypt of Dreams” is a gripping mid-paced track with relentless double bass drums from the aptly named Peter Crushes. The riffs have a baroque flair and play over the drums like a pointed arch. Rez’s vocals are gruff, yet soar over the music like a tired wanderer on an arduous journey. That journey continues on “Silentium” with Peter’s crushing drums driving the song forward in a galloping tempo. The guitar has a subdued heaviness as the drums are the focal point. However, guitarist Ben Stockwell unleashes a fiery solo towards the end.
“Shadows” slightly speeds things up with a stinging guitar riff and mellow guitar leads atop pummeling drum patterns. The tempo changes are seamless and keep the listener on their toes as if an apparition is moving them. The midsection features whispering and a haunting acoustic passage before the groove kicks back in. “Leviathan” is the initial single for Lazarvs due to its straightforward tempo and powerful, but catch chorus.
“Siren’s Lullaby” has a mournful acoustic introduction that builds up to jackhammer kick drum before settling into a sorrowful groove. Rez’s vocals move from sorrowful and hypnotic to harsh and loud, creating an aura of someone unable to peacefully sleep. The unrest is accentuated with the brief, tranquil acoustic midsection that prematurely ends as the riffs kick back up. The thrashy “Madam Death” is the heaviest track on Lazarvs with its manic triplet beat and looming bass line. Rez sadly sings of burying a loved one but does so with a trembling resilience that makes the song both emotionally and musically heavy.
Penultimate track “Black Halo” has a descending arpeggio riff under a palm muted chord and chilling bass line that feels like one is spiraling towards the abyss. There is a mood of uncertainty throughout the song, due to the rhythm changes and the use of acoustic and electric guitars. “Maledictus” is the longest song on Lazarvs at eight-and-a-half minutes and concludes the album. It retains the dark groove with its plodding drums and there is a Middle Eastern tinge to the guitars which adds to the epic intensity of the track.
Lazarvs shows a band that is confident in its sound and musicianship. Maledictus’s sound is best described as dark metal, due to the lyrical content and dissonant riffs. The album is over 53 minutes in length, with the songs around five to six minutes in length. Thus, there is a progressive feel on Lazarvs as the band explores its sound. The songs are engaging and rarely lag. The album’s cohesion is the highlight, as the haunting mood is not disrupted. This is music to play in the autumn and winter as the weather cools and trees die. The production is clear and strong, with the drums prominently featured in the mix. Lazarvs has very few low points, though a few of the tracks could have been shortened by a minute or two.
Maledictus has proudly announced its arrival on Lazarvs. The riffs, grooves and gloomy subject matter should appeal to fans across the metal spectrum. This is a strong debut album and the band can only move up from here. From the ashes of one band comes another.
Check out the band’s website here: https://www.maledictus.pt/#hero
