REVIEW: HOLLENTHON - DOMUS MUNDI

 

HOLLENTHON - DOMUS MUNDI (Napalm Records, 1999):

Technical data:

Recorded at Vato Loco Studio

Recorded, Mixed and Edited by Martin Schirenc

Cover Concept and Layout by Martin Schirenc.

Track List: 1- Enrapture - Hinc Illae Lacrimae, 2- Homage - Magni Nominis Umbra, 3- Vestige - Non Omnis Moriar, 4- Lure - Pallida Mors, 5- Interlude - Ultima Ratio Regum, 6- Reprisal - Malis Avibus, 7- Premonition - Lex Talionis, 8- Eclipse - Vita Nova

On last issue I reviewed Hollenthon´s latest album "With Vilest of Worms To Dwell", and it was an album that I really loved. It was like a soundtrack for a movie (this comparison that is immediately brought to your mind has made some stupid power metal journalist to ask Martin if he feels related to Rhapsody because of the term Hollywood metal used to describe the music of the italian band). And here is Hollenthon´s prior album , the amazing n"Domus Mundi". This recording is somewhat more crude than "With Vilest..." even if there is a lot of orchestration too, but there are certain elements that are less subtle as the vocals and the guitar sound (in some parts of the first track the guitars reminded me of Celtic Frost´s "To Mega Therion" because of their sound). But Martin obviously knew what he wanted before recording "Domus Mundi" and this is like the seed of what "With Vilest..:" would achieve, this is like a diamond that has to be a little polished (not that much because you have wonders like "Homage- Magni Nominis Umbra" with its oriental melodies and harmonies or "Lure- Pallida Mors" with its guitar melodies and gregorian chants. This was a great first step on Hollenthon´s career. Favorite tracks: "Homage - Magni Nominis Umbra", " Premonition..." and "Eclipse - Vita Nova". Contact: www.napalmrecords.com or www.hollenthon.com