MORTEMIA - Misere Morte

Sometimes I wonder with what criteria the record companies label some new releases. Napalm Records promotes this new release as a “Gothic Metal” album while this one is definitely far from being characterized as such! (are they really listening to the albums before they release them?) Unless they label “Gothic Metal” bands like Tristania or Therion, cause that’s pretty much how Mortemia sound! In fact this is an one –man band and the mastermind behind all this is no other than the founder of Tristania and Sirenia Mr. Morten Veland so there’s no wonder why the sound of Mortemia is similar to the above mentioned bands.
\r\nMusic wise I would describe Mortemia as a darker version of Sirenia without the female vocals in a more symphonic approach on their compositions. In some parts they even reminded me of Therion since the operatic and symphonic elements are overflowing “Misere Morte”. Morten Veland’s vocals sound kind of brutal sometimes while most of the times he’s accompanied by a female soprano, but definitely not “Gothic” ! The production is in very good levels (we should note that Morden except for composing, is responsible for the production and the mixing of the album) something that gives the songs the atmosphere they need to stand out.
\r\nSo, those of you fancying the above mentioned bands i think you should check out Mortemia, sure thing is you won’t be disappointed. They are symphonic, they are dark but surely not Gothic!
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\r\nDimitris Karantounias
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