On hearing that this band contains the members of Kataklysm plus guest appearances from Nergal (Behemoth), Karl Sanders (Nile) and Obsidian (Keep Of Kalessin) my ears were primed at the prospect. ‘Romulus’ is a concept album focussing on the Roman empire and without going into the ins and outs of that meteoric time on our planet suffice to say Ex Deo has managed to create an epic album that is packed with grandeur but lacking in speed which I have to say disappointed me slightly on the first listen.
True concept albums are difficult to review due to the continuation of the tracks and the careful thought processes that are involved in sequencing the atmosphere. Picking out individual tracks does the album no favours and indeed can be considered an injustice if one wants the album to be considered as a whole composition.
Beginning with the title track a windy sound effect and choral arrangement comes in which is surprising as the track unfolds into slow epic dirge that has traits of death metal yet lacks the speed of the genre. Indeed the nearest comparison in terms of grandeur would have to be Septic Flesh’s ‘Communion’ album, though the riffing is firmly entrenched in the very slow end of Kataklysm’s music. However don’t be fooled, if you’re after Kataklysm part two then don’t even attempt this as you will be sorely disappointed.
The vocals of Maurizio take a narrated angle as the guy sings his fucking heart out like the proverbial gladiator fighting for his life during ‘Storm The Gates Of Alesia’ as Nergal adds his considerable demonic larynx to the song too. The symphonic texturing adds considerable weight and depth to all the songs as the emotionally charged ‘Cry Havoc’ is a tad more upbeat especially when the sludgy double bass kick comes in. I am very tempted to say there are elements of Therion on this album such is the grandiosity of the arrangements but the power is obviously much heavier and far more intimidating.
‘In Her Dark Embrace’ has a very dark mournful riff that is super heavy and bolstered by a marching drum sound. The short lived sporadic double bass kick puts pace into the song at various junctures. ‘Invictus’ has a lovely subtle lead that is fused with the background and balanced by chanting vocals, whereas ‘The Final War (Battle Of Actium)’ has a slightly speedier stance with a catchy melody that is closer to traditional death metal.
I enjoyed ‘Legio XIII’ due to the shift in speed and marching attenuation on the beat. Describing each song would be an easy task but would dissolve the impact of actually listening to the album in all its bloody glory. If you expect this to be Kataklysm part two then you should approach this with caution, however if you want epic grandiose and emotionally charged metal then this is a sure winner and will likely make your top ten of the year.
http://www.myspace.com/exdeo
