| CD REVIEW Ex Deo |
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Band: Ex Deo Ex Deo is a rather unique and surprising side-project by Canadian top-act Kataklysm. And this is meant in its most positive way!
The band built a concept around the Roman Empire. In Italy such a lyrical approach isn’t that unusual, logically, yet outside Italy it is rare. However, Ex Deo do it with glory and pride! Romulus brings over an hour of very bombastic Death Epic. Keyboards are very important. Several (instrumental) parts are keyboard-driven, yet also many Metal-pieces are supported by symphonic keys. Together with the drum parts, as well as some harmonious choirs, this gives the whole an orchestral touch. In a way it might remind you to bands as Nocturnus or Nile. Of course the lyrical approach too is, in a certain way, comparable to these two great bands. Yet Romulus has more to offer. The mainly slow to mid-tempo hymns contain several changes in tempo and structure, and it comes with some better elements from the Doom-Death and Black Metal scene. The victorious atmosphere goes well with the darkened and overwhelming energy. The permanent variation and the unique approach make this album a classic already, because the whole album intrigues from the beginning to the end. Remarkable too are the guest appearances by Nergal (Behemoth) on Storm The Gates Of Alesia, Karl Sanders (Nile) (The Final War) and Arnt ‘Obsidian’ Gronbech (Keep Of Kalessin, Bloodthorn) (in Cruor Abbas Nostri). The different splendid riffs, the firm and low-tuned bass guitars, the heroic drums, the deep grunts, growls and screams, the harmonic chants and the important yet excellent keyboards, together with the majestic sound (the production and mix were done by Maurizio Iacono and J-F Dagenais themselves) and the gargantuan and warlike atmosphere, reveal craftsmanship and geniality. Romulus is a milestone, not a possibility yet a must! Hail! 92/100 Ivan Tibos. |