Infestus is basically a dirty and disease-ridden black metal project from Germany, with a current membership of one. If the track titles are anything to go by, “The Reflective Void” seems to be a thematic step away from previous albums, in particular “Chroniken des Ablebens” (Chronicles of Death, 2008). This one isn’t sunny of course, but “Cortical Spreading Darkness” and “Fractal Rise of the Fall” suggest a higher plane.
From the outset we are plunged into an eerie world. “A Dying Dream” picks up impressively but we’re then unmistakably surrounded by black metal darkness with imposing chords, deathly growls and creepiness. “Spiegel der Seele” (Mirror of the Soul) conveys a mood of burning fires and rising out of the ashes. It slows down into a melancholic and reflective passage. I expected it to explode but it lingers and breaks patiently into majesty. Progress can be steady but it is always of the dominating kind.
“Constant Soul Corrosion” continues in a vein of lush creepiness. Listening to this album brought visions of Dark Fortress and Farsot but for me Infestus are not shocking or as imaginative as their German counterparts. But “Constant Soul Corrosion” gets bigger like crashing waves. The intensity and dark aura increase as chaotic sounds envelop us again. There is movement as it slows down and bursts into thunder. Here the drum battery and ringing guitar signal an epic track, probably my favourite of the album. “Cortical Spreading Darkness” is another case of metal hand-wringing. The pattern is familiar as it slows down, changes mood and aspires to epic atmospheres. It needed something to spice it up. I was expecting something expanding and expansive from “Fractal Rise of the Fall” but disappointingly it was a bog standard instrumental. I was starting to lose ground and interest. Not good.
“Inner Reflexion” has the deathly tones of Dark Fortress and with the pained growls and incessant and relentless drum beats, there’s a psychological element to this black metal. Quiet and then exploding in a controlled fashion, it explores new and darker territory. There’s a melancholic ring which is replaced by the rolls of thunder which open “Devouring Darkness”. The heavy artillery is out, slowing down once again to develop its grisly tale. The pattern is familiar. The drama increases as it slows down again before a truly spell-binding passage whets the appetite for more. Infestus are good at heightening anticipation. Chunky drums and blazing guitars take over and create an awesome atmosphere. This is how “Devouring Darkness” dies out. A fiery black metal attack finishes the album. “Origin” presses on and a final piece of sophisticated guitar work threatens an epic build-up, but it doesn’t happen.
This album is like a series of freeze frames with bridges to take us from one dark mood to another. Overall, it’s decent and there are some great, nerve-tingling passages here and there. “The Reflective Void” isn’t original however. I found it was a good black metal album but one which lacked spark.
(6.5/10 Andrew Doherty)
https://www.facebook.com/infestus.official
Leave a Reply