Osculum Infame-The Axis of Blood
- By Aeonis
- Aug 18, 2015
- 4 min read
Osculum Infame is a band from France, have come onto the metal scene with their CD The Axis of Blood, and they play what they call Black Metal, but I would rather say the they play a doom inspired Black Metal style with melodic elements. To approach this style we first must say that the production is good. For a different style of music the engineer blended the instruments together into a cohesive sound experience.
Overall, their sound is about chaos and the apocalypse. I think that if you listen to this music and go into it with the idea of post WW III, scenery whereby everything is either destroyed or in ruins, then you can get the idea of the sound scape imagery that they were trying to convey. With this said, the fact that they are able to convey that into music says a lot.
The song "Asphyxiated Light" really blends well and makes me recall old Algaion and Dawn. Here Osculum Infame makes use of duel guitars and repetitive riffs that hypnotize you into their world of oblivion. Then again just when you think you almost are ready for the change they do a really good job at bringing other elements of blast beats and riff changes that really keep you interested. This is what music was meant to be and the alterations in melodic riff measures contrasted with the depressive lows really makes me feel the end of the world.
"Cognitive Perdition of the Insane" is this beautiful song that could compete with the best of the bands that evoke a depressive epoch in the genre of metal. Some riffs are even Dimmu Borgir-ish. Yet the solos are amateurish and are a great break, but the main melodic riffs are the reason to listen to the songs. The drums are perfectly matched for the music and the tom work really adds depth to each song.
"I in the Ocean of Worms" is such a powerful song from the great days of Black Metal riffs. I can only hope that you are remodeling your room when this song goes on, cause you will knock down the sheet rock and studs within three seconds of the song's main riff. If you are working out then go ahead and lift that weight that you always wanted to, and if you are in your car, then I only ask that you be careful because this song is intense and this song will give you a rush of adrenaline. "I in the Ocean of Worms" gives me faith in the fact that Black Metal that grew up with is not dead and thriving through the streets of the European underbelly. It almost makes me want to fly to France just to see a band like this. I can imagine walking through the old narrow cobblestone streets just to find that one barn where a whole bunch of Black Metal musicians go to listen to music like this. Yet then I recall that France is liberal and the Prime Minister is insane and I am glad to be in the US.
"Kaoist Serpentis" is an intense song that delivers on all fronts of the metal genre. Even if you are not a fan of Black Metal, I think that "Kaoist Serpentis" may seek to convert even the most dedicated non fan of Black Metal. About two minutes into the song, rhythms changes and a driving double bass that cuts through the melody into a fury of melodic fervor. Then after the daze of chaos about five minutes into the song they climax with these new rhythms that really illustrate the melodic benevolence of chaos in Black Metal.
With "My Angel" and "Let There Be Darkness", you can see that Osculum Infame are real contenders to the Black Metal genre and other bands need to watch out for these guys. When you hear these songs just remember the sounds from Dimmu and Dark Funeral, because some if it is just powerful and melodic and awe inspiring. Trust me you will not be disappointed with this release. The bad thing about these two songs is that they are too long and for that I have to down grade them.
"Solemn Faith" is just a song to say that is on the CD, but any real producer or A&R guy would not have allowed that on the CD unless you just wanted some filler and that is what that song was. "White Void" is a great way to end the CD and redeem their greatness with a seven end to a great CD.
So in the end three songs made the difference between a 4 and 3 out of 5. Therefore, if you like Black Metal, then yes you should definitely get this CD just for the songs that really bring Black Metal to the mainstream because once this CD is gone, I do not think that this band will press more copies. You will be kicking yourself in the ass of why you did not get this CD while you had the chance because they did a great job at blending musical harmonies with chaos. But still not worthy of a four, so instead I give them 3 out of 5 guitar picks.
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