Ignis Absconditus (Latin for “hidden fire”), as I have learned from the usual online sources, materialized out of sulphuric air in 2018 in Brescia in the north of Italy. The project was initiated by Noctuaria and Henry Der Wanderer, two personae who have been active in the north-Italian black metal scene in numerous bands for many years now. Previous and current involvements include Ad Omega, Nebrus and Nott, none of them projects that I am familiar with, but the Metal Archives feature entries for all of these monikers, some with releases that go back decades.

Golden Horses Of A Dying Future is the band’s second full length album. Their first, Portrait Of Beyond, was released in 2022, and there is also a mini album titled Lost Equilibrium (2020) and a promo release dating back to 2019. At some point in time the band seems to have expanded their line up to four people and currently it encompasses Noctuaria (vocals), Henry Der Wanderer (percussion, keyboards, electronics, guitar), Jack G. (also guitar), and Dani B-life (bass). Reviews for their releases are few, live reviews inexistent, which makes me think that they haven’t toured or played that much live so far.

A quick listen of prior releases reveals that the band has undergone some course changes over time. While their beginnings where mostly acoustic and can be classified as neofolk or dark rock, their most recent release falls into the dark wave and post-punk spectrum. There is a bit of Bauhaus to be heard, but primarily this worships Christian Death.

Golden Horses Of A Dying Future features 10 tracks that pull the listener into a theatrical, cabaretesque, dark, melancholy universe. The cover artwork, painted by English artist James Hutton, provides a fitting entrance to this universe, referencing cabaret and circus performances, wars and fights, horses and men, the elements, politics and the establishment.

The band have a lot going for themselves, from infectious melodies and stellar, stirring drumming parts to whole soundscapes that successfully conjure up a grotesque scenography. The music’s main trump, however, is definitely Noctuaria’s voice. Mature and austere, it reminds me of Diamanda Galas and of Marianne Faithfull’s performance on Metallica’s The Memory Remains. In a sea of ridiculously angelic female vocal performances this voice sticks out and demands to be taken seriously.

Some of the album’s songs, like Mr. Smith, Wolfheart or Seagull’s Laughter, are easily accessible, even danceable, and have an instant appeal. Others, like the closing number Chasm of Deceit, are slower, dragging, more tortured-sounding, artier and somewhat challenging to listen to. But all in all, there’s a lot to like for dark wave and post-punk fans on Ignis Absconditus Golden Horses Of A Dying Future.

(7.5/10 Slavica)  

https://www.facebook.com/ignisabsconditus

https://mykingdommusic.bandcamp.com/album/golden-horses-of-a-dying-future