A sixth studio album from Finnish band Antipope and their first in collaboration with US label Moribund Records who have unveiled ‘Rex Mundi’ on CD. This Oulu based four-piece started life as a Black Metal band but over the years have progressed in style and approach and now incorporate myriad styles and influences including Industrial and Gothic metal. Their lyrical philosophy has also progressed and the mythological and ecclesiastical themes that ran through their early work has been replaced by topics such as self-introspection and societal struggle. That being said, their new opus has a decidedly historical and religious feel to it, both through their lyrics and song titles but also the albums artworks which touches on themes of religion through the monks and Pope, as well as medieval torture with just a touch of the black death also. A point of interest is that ‘Rex Mundi’ translates from Latin as ‘King of the World’.
The grandiose orchestral introductory track ‘Plague of Heresy and Madness’ builds suspense magnificently and the Heavy Metal stylings of the guitar leads from the opening moments of ‘Rex Mundi Aeternum’ continue that build before Antipope kick into the insanely catchy lyrical musings from vocalist/guitarist Mikko Myllykangas, who incidentally has a superb vocal range and a voice that screams Heavy Metal goodness. Also of particular interest during this track are the rumbling bass solos and subtle bass interludes from Joni Tauriainen, who only joined the band in 2019 but is the perfect fit for Antipope.
Interestingly, Antipope has made more changes on this opus than just bringing back their religious themes. Gone are the Industrial and Gothic influences. ‘Rex Mundi’ is a stone wall Blackened Heavy Metal album and the precision and panache that the band have used to write and perform it makes it sound as if this has been their style from inception.
That being said, the Black Metal influence is strong during tracks such as the powerful and surging ‘Hounds of Lord’ whose guitar leads and drum tones have a real steel like heaviness running through their veins. Yet for the most part, ‘Rex Mundi’ sounds and feels like an epic and dark Heavy Metal album featuring sublime songcraft and a tremendous performance from all four band members. Its an album which through the use of expansive wandering guitar leads and subtle yet effective synth work, combined with the intoxicating vocal prowess and lyrics really takes you on a journey from start to finish.
(8/10 – Marksson)
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