Since they have been in existence in one form or another, on-and-off since 1995, you might expect that the characters involved with Paganus Doctrina would have released an album by now. But in fact ‘Omnipotense Aeternae Diabolous’ is their debut. And even in this record’s case, things have been far from smooth getting it out there. Recorded, mixed and mastered back in 2012, things went awry when the band’s label Ashen Productions couldn’t afford to release it. Fortunately for these morbid Costa Ricans, however, the Mexican label Satanic Records entered into partnership with Ashen to belatedly – though thankfully – do this album the justice it deserves. Describing ‘O.A.D.’ as a “Luciferian sonic manifestation”, the band have certainly hit the nail on the head.
Living up to this occult, purposeful description, the album sweeps into existence with a range of sound effects encompassing grim weather, chanting, tolling bells and screams. And when the music kicks in, the vibe is elevated to the status of a Satanic morass via doom laden, black dripping riffs and steadily paced drums lacerated by rabid vocals. To an extent, there are shades of Samael circa ‘Worship Him’ swirling around the opener but it’s not until ‘Aestigmata Satani – Ataviado en fuego fatuo’ kicks in that Paganus Doctrina’s brutality reveals itself. To describe the musical attack as frenzied would be an understatement, to the extent that when they hit their manic stride it’s hard to pick out what’s going on; and this with a production – as demonstrated by the slower opener – which oozes clarity and weight. On the other hand, riffs are allowed to break away momentarily before a hammering, thrash-death-black beating in the vein of early Sarcofago resumes, and we do even get treated to some classic metal harmonies towards the end.
For all that chaos plays a central role in proceedings throughout the album, the funny thing is how influences gradually reveal themselves like layers on a rancid onion. By the forth track, ‘Presagio de su linaje’, more Norwegian black metal flavours emanate from the devilish cauldron: first in the galloping pace akin to Immortal; then in fracturing speed/avant-garde vocalisation a la Mayhem. In addition to this impressive array of influences seamlessly pulled together, PD has melded them into a truly distinct form; perhaps the most characteristic individual trait being that lunatic edge threatening to turn everything (especially the crosses) upside-down for the band’s sadistic enjoyment. But there are countless examples across the album to draw on when considering the mastery inherent to these Costa Ricans: from unpalatable squeals to epically layered riffs to the odd acoustic intro… It’s very, very effective. Even the near nine-minute closer proves captivating albeit another tale of pitiless audial destruction to instill fear in the holy flock.
As indicated earlier, Paganus Doctrina have not so much stamped but fiercely branded their mark on to whatever extreme metal influences first inspired them to pick up instruments. Admittedly the influences they do have would appear clearly identifiable but ‘Omnipotense Aeternae Diabolous’ is no mere imitation. It positively carries the ritualistic intent the band so proudly hints at in the promo kit, only much more intensely than I anticipated. And it’s no word of a lie to say that I’m left in a daze each time after taking it in. Without doubt, Paganus Doctrina is a top quality proposition, and highly recommended if you like your metal 100% BLACK and 100% METAL.
(8.5/10 Jamie)
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