VENEROR – PERCUSSIMUS FOEDUS CUM MORTE LP (New Era Productions)

Veneror certainly couldn’t be accused of pushing the metaphorical boat out. On debut album ‘Percussimus Foedus Cum Morte’, the Italian trio churn out seven consignments (plus intro) of straight-forward, fast-paced, repetitive, simplistic, no-frills Black Metal. Nothing arty-farty going on; nothing complicated.

While their approach is commendable and the result is largely enjoyable, it is also unremarkable. Veneror are clearly die-hards and they stick to their guns in gung-ho fashion, never compromising, thrashing out song after song of shrill, swirling darkness dealing with witchcraft, sorcery, covens and the like.

Dubious song titles and lyrics are commonplace in Black Metal so those add charm to proceedings and I can’t fault these guys in any way for effort – or in terms of integrity, which they obviously possess in abundance. The record also looks good and the packaging, artwork etc. are all top notch.

Unfortunately, however, I’m finding the repetitiveness (of both music and lyrics) to be more monotonous than hypnotic. My conclusion is that ‘Percussimus Foedus Cum Morte’ is a good album but not a brilliant one by any means.

Evilometer: 333/666