DEATHSPELL OMEGA – DIABOLUS ABSCONDITUS / MASS GRAVE AESTHETICS LP (Norma Evangelium Diaboli)

There’s nothing new on this release, music-wise, but “Diabolus Absconditus / Mass Grave Aesthetics” is well worth purchasing if you don’t already own these two stellar tracks. “Diabolus Absconditus” was Deathspell Omega’s contribution to the mandatory Northern Heritage triple album “Crushing The Holy Trinity”, while “Mass Grave Aesthetics” was released separately as an EP in its own right three years later (2008). Together, they make for a wonderful ‘album’ (which is listed as an EP but costs the price of a full-length and, in fairness, lasts for a full 42 minutes).

The two length tracks sound like they may well have been recorded as part of the same session (I think this may be the case but am not sure…). This is prime DsO, with a myriad of sounds and emotions churned out in amid a maelstrom of orthodoxy. There are plenty of tempo changes and no shortage of atmosphere but proceedings remain harsh and ‘black’ throughout, as the band eases through its tried and trusted template in stunning fashion. I believe these two songs are as strong as anything else this great outfit has released and – cynical as I am – I refuse to disregard this as a label cash-grab. It’s a worthwhile release and one you should consider tracking down.

Evilometer: 555/666