Heresi - Psalm II - Infusco Ignis CD

Well this was a surprise!
Now, after hearing some negative things about Skamfer and his band HERESI, and although I had never heard the band; I was skeptical and doubting that I would like this release. I am glad to say that I enjoyed this album, and good deal for that matter! Main man Skamfer, well only man Skamfer would probably be a better description, really blends melody and raw power together quite effectively and potently. Unlike most other one man bands plaguing the scene right now, HERESI, stay away from the hypnotic noise, droning guitars, and distorted vocals of most. Instead Skamfer decides to offer his listeners some really good melodic Black Metal with some light touches of that new fangled keyboard stuff and mixes it with this primitive song writing and sound. Now, this isn't to say that the production is basement recording or sounding as if it were recorded with the tape recorder underwater or something, nor does it sound squeaky clean, DIMMU BORGIR production either. It retains this great sound yet keeps itself away from a studio polished sound. The songs themselves alter between the traditional Black Metal sound, a la DARKTHRONE, to extremely melodic and epic sounding passages akin to EMPEROR (although not as grandeur). Take for example, "Prosairesis" which has an old school Rock'n'Roll riffing that doesn't change for minutes and then adding a great melodic riff in and out of the Rock riffage. The Melodic Black Metal touches are firing on all cylinders on songs like "Bevingad Och Försedd Med Horn" with a really great riff and chorus, and the keyboard touches are used so well! This is probably my favorite song on the album. It seems that Skamfer has a great understanding of the DARKTHRONE school of milking a riff for all its worth and the subtle touches, like harmonies and bridges, that add a lot to the music. The title track is a great example of HERESI's sound, with its blistering beginning quickly moving into a memorable riff and light melodic touches. Now, while not mind blowing, HERESI's "Psalm II - Infusco Ignis" is still an extremely enjoyable album with the whole thing being very well done and thought out. Although the album is only 29 minutes long, every song stands strong and serves a memorable part every once and awhile. Now knowing and judging for myself I deem HERESI, a good band indeed!

1. Liothe 06:04
2. Bevingad Och Försedd Med Horn 06:26
3. Dionyssosinitiationen 05:34
4. Prosairesis 03:45
5. Infusco Ignis 05:54