Dark Prophecies" CD 2003 (Evil Horde Records)(Nor )

  This Norwegian band gathered in 99 & already released a 3 trax Demo 'Chemical Bastard' in 2000.  They present their first full length 'Dark Prophecies', recorded in 2001 and released on the Brazilian Label Evil Horde Records, already known for such releases as Azaghal, Murder Rape, Great Vast Forest to name some.

'Dark Prophecy' is a dark and dense album, 8 long tracks melting symphonic Black Metal with epic and atmospheric tones.  Sublitirum is composed of 5 members, and their particularity is to use 3 distinct vocals in their compositions.

The grim and contained BM vocals alternate with clear male vocals, clear female chant, even massive choirs that appear at times and add this Viking touch to their intense style, as in the first 'Dark Prophecies', or their varied 'Raging Battles'.

The release is melodic and has a very modern sounding, with marked synth lines that even takes over the saturated riffs like in their vivid 'Raging Battles', or 'Sear the Morning To Come', a varied track reminding of Dimmu Borgir even Borknagar style.

Faster parts with sustained battle drumming and marked synth lines link up smoothly to the melodic passages, raised by the clear vocals and more epic tones.

Some songs are played on a fast & sustained tempo, enhanced by shorter breaks and more sliced rhythms, like in 'The Narrow Past' or 'Nocturnal Hunt in the Fields', marked by heavier yet progressive breaks.

Their 'Prelude of War' is an instrumental track raised by ethereal and spatial synth melodies, a very dark yet mystic atmosphere enhanced by the background screams. The prominent synth use thicken the compositions with classical tones like piano or organ melodies, and enhance these epic atmospheres reminding at time of Sirius.

The clear & deep female chant raises the last 'The Cries of the Fallen', pierced by symphonic breaks that cut a bit the massive instrumentation and add lighter tones to this relatively dense and epic track.

A dark and epic release that will fit your tastes if you're into more melodic even atmospheric Black Metal. The glossy layout displays the epic painting of a battlefield and full lyrics. More on Subliritum official website or at Evil Horde Records.

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