FURVA AMBIGUITAS - IN ARTICULO MORTIS

\r\n     Having released a demo (At the Bottom of the River -  2007), Furva Ambiguitas (=Latin for “obscure ambiguity”), the Russian duo (Anton Mrak, Terra Teratos) releases their first full – length album, entitled In Aticulo Mortis. In an artistic environment of stalking confidence, remains to be seen if the album ‘s obscurity is surpassed by its ambiguity.
\r\n     FA offers a clear (rather classical) combination of black + doom metal. The album ‘s fundament, beyond any different and more intense musical dimensions, is the atmosphere itself; the duo knows that, either way, the musical genres that is affiliated with are two of the most atmospheric extreme metal genres possible, thus, they completely and intelligently exploit the opportunity given. However, FV is not merely a down –tempo band, as the opening and notable Memento! might imply; soon after, the next composition says otherwise (Carpe Diem, 4:00+, 7:00+ - but others too, e.g.  Gens Una Suma, at 2:45 approximately), concentrating features of maniac outbursts. Overall, this is the album ‘s flow: it s about an obscurity, atmospheric/ melodic at parts, inflammatory at others, constant although transforming.
\r\n     Numerous are the factors contributing to the configuration of In Articulo Mortis’ ambience (some illustrative ones follow): the worst of productions – mainly the guitar ‘s sound, the use/ exploitation of keyboards ( the intro melody is memorable), the otherworldly vocals. In any case, Mrak’s riffing is quite massive, when compared to the genre ‘s established riffing. Terra is on both vocals and synths. The guttural singing is welcomed and definitely suitable. In the end though, the guitars’ + synths’ cocktail is the one detensified and naturally materializing any inspiration. The drumming ‘s programming is utterly indifferent and actually identical. The “obsession” concerning the Latin language cannot be ignored: all lyrics (songs’ titles, etc.) are in Latin, a conscious stylistic choice of course, as Latin not only seems to be the ideal language giving shape and flesh to the mystical/ depressive tlyrical concept, but also because they are actually a factor serving yet again the album ‘s aesthetics.
\r\n     Essentially, In Articulo Mortis’ drawback is the recycling of ideas, in a way. To be accurate, the fact that compositions, although pleasurable they may be, lack uniqueness; it is a matter of inspiration. The primordial material (the very ideas) is exploited and beautifully orchestrated, the thing is though, this core material is flawed. Conclusively, the album is offered to pull out a “side function”, meaning it is recommended for background use only, as it easily fortifies the atmosphere, thanks to the uncanny aesthetics, the heavy tunes extracted, its atmospheric sharpness.\r\n

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