When I got this album for review I was actually looking forward to hearing it. And you know what...these guys aren't bad at all. It has the typical scream bloody gore, scold-your-six-year-old vocals, the mechanical gatlin gun drumming, and the equally fast split-your-eardrum power riffing. What this album also has plenty of melodic moments believe it or not. The title track opens with a beautiful yet heavy lead guitar passage back by a slow angry guitar progression. The double bass drumming kicks in and turns the intro into one of the heaviest and brutal moments on the record. This song along with "Atrum Regina", which also features a similar intro, are my picks for standout songs on the album. The tempo stays slow, which is a nice change and offers up a little variety. The sinister themes played by guitarists Lord Ahriman and Chaq Mol are wonderful throughout the entire disc.

My only real complaints about 'Attera Totus Sanctus' is that it is short on time changes and variety. I think more contrast throughout would have made for a more powerful and heavier record. With a few exceptions the album is on high speed and I found myself bored at times. Also the bass,which is played by guest Gustaf Hielm (ex MESHUGGAH) is almost inaudible. I didn't even really detect any until track five. The overall mix has too much midrange which I find is characteristic of the genre.

Overall this is a strong return for these European black metal veterans who have been at it since 1993. It is eight tracks of pure sonic hell and any fan of this kind of metal will surely embrace it. I envision a live show filled with strobe lights synced to drummer Matte Modin's double bass fury, blood and fire spewing from the mouth of vocalist Emperor Magnus Caligula. Apparently their performances are legendary and based on the music review here, it's a spectacle I would love to see.

- Peters

OFFICIAL SITE: www.darkfuneral.se

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