An interesting proposition this in which Debemur Morti bring together two acts of genuine quality to contribute three tracks each to this dark, introspective exercise. There does not appear to be a conceptual theme to this release - indeed, the somewhat 'minimalist' title is something of a giveaway - and therefore, one can only assume it was left to the artists to devise a coherent sonic narrative to run across the six songs presented here. It does very much feel there has been some sort of collaborative discussion between the two participants as both acts conspire to deliver lengthy tracks drenched in depressive, sorrowful atmospheres with a tangible sense of utter despair running throughout the record's duration.
Tenebrae in Perpetuum temper their ice-cold sonics with a truly morbid delivery, eschewing much of the speed of their previous three albums in favour of a predominantly funereal pace. Shrill guitars and ponderous drums echo in a truly cavernous soundscape, bringing to mind the weighty despond of Manes' classic track 'Manes Naat'. Tenebrae in Perpetuum's contributions here are stripped of individuality - merely being numbered 'I', 'II' and 'III' - rendering each piece as a sequential chapter in one continuing scream of despair. Harrowing riffs carve trenches of sorrow as mainman Atratus once again assumes vocal duties, unleashing some truly painful-sounding shrieks as the final instalment draws to a close. Emotionally draining, this split throws the spotlight on a very powerful side of this captivating act.
Following on from this, Krohm does little different. 2007's 'Haunting Presence' was a captivating opus and sole creator Numinas does little to alter the template. Long, involved songs weave layers of minor-key chords, chiming lead guitar and the occasional smattering of lo-fi synth over the relentless drive of the drum machine. Seemingly reading from the same page as Tenebrae in Perpetuum, Numinas has upped the depressive ante here and dropped the speed a little. As ever with Krohm, the arrangements and songcraft are of a high standard (the wrist-slashing crescendo of 'Sentinel Monolith' for example) however the tracks don't quite stand up to the emotive power of the Italians that precede them. It may well be that the rather tinny drum machine robs the material of some of its power - certainly, the booming percussion lends Tenebrae in Perpetuum a potent backbone - but Numinas has nevertheless maintained his position as one of the frontrunners of his craft. All in all, this split is a decidedly absorbing offering of atmospheric, suicidal black metal that puts many of their better-known peers to shame.
http://www.myspace.com/krohmvoid
http://www.debemur-morti.com
