Blut Aus Nord
Memoria Vetusta II: Dialogue With The Stars

April 2009
Released: 2009, Candlelight Records
Rating: 3.5/5
Reviewer: Mr. Rock

With their latest release, the somewhat awkwardly titled MEMORIA VETUSTA II: DIALOGUE WITH THE STARS, experimental French black metallers Blut Aus Nord have once again created an album that is very atmospheric, and very non-accessible. This disc is very underground black metal, and for the uninitiated, it may be a little hard to grasp. With the vocals buried way, way down in the mix, the disc plays more as an instrumental, and that fact alone might turn off some.



As always, the band is tight, and when it comes to this form of black metal, they play very well. But with this form of black metal (very old school in many ways), actual songs seem a little less in the forefront, with atmosphere taking the lead. The songs seem to meld into one, and does seem, at times, to go on very long.



The performances and the production are raw and cold in sound. It’s almost as though you feel the air around drop in temperature when the music is on. Highly atmospheric and orchestrated, each song is very well structured with a very determined feel to it. There is no doubt that Blut Aus Nord is trying to make the listener feel, as much as hear…and you will feel.



If you like Blut Aus Nord, and especially if you like very underground black metal, then you will no doubt love MEMORIA VETUSTA II: DIALOGUE WITH THE STARS. The album fits into the band catalogue with ease. However, if you are unfamiliar with the band and this genre, then you might not be swayed. The band, and this album, are definitely an acquired taste.