ARS MACABRA -- HATE INDUCED TRANCE

track listing:

01. Ahnenerbe
02. Kernel satanica
03. Compelling perverted taste
04. Sadomasochistic pitchblack scenario
05. Et nihil
06. Lagerlandschaft41
07. Infausta spirale manifesta
08. Black blood promise
09. Hate Induced Trance
10. Requieum Aeternam
11. Nomen exterminus


label: Sinister Sound
location: Rome, Italy
release date: April 2007
web: www.arsmacabra.com


This band has been around since the late 90's and have released a couple of demos and one full-length CD but in "Hate Induced Trance" Ars Macabra have come up with their most well-produced effort to date.

Other reviewers compare this four-piece from Rome, Italy to Marduk, which certainly puts them in good company, but whatever comparison or classification one makes, "Hate Induced Trance" holds its own as a solid extreme metal work. The guitar riffs have that sinister feel that make me remember why I listen to Black Metal. The drums are spot-on and relentless, putting to rest the critics of their earlier releases claiming too much reliance on drum machines. The vocals rip right through the speakers in classic style and the lyrical content is dark and thought-provoking.

Track 3 "Compelling Perverted Taste" and track 7 "Infausta Spirale Manifesta," (actually this track is from Ars Macabra's 2005 demo which was thrown on this CD for good measure) are my personal favs (I hadn't heard the 2005 demo before doing this review). Track 8, "Black Blood Promise" is pretty damn cool as well.

Of note also are the short cinematic instrumental pieces; the intro titled "Ahnenerbe" (Track 1) as well as a reprise at the beginning of track 6 "Lafgerlandschaft41," and Track 10 "Requiem Aeternam". One wonders whether the band will go further in this direction in the futue.

This Italian black metal quartet has had it share of stability issues in the past with many changes in line-up, changes in label, and delays in progress since "Hate Induced Trance" was released in 2007 when their drummer was injured but the band are currently working on new material with plans of release sometime soon.



reviewed by Mike