ILLUM ADORA
Non Serviam Black Metal (The Demos)
(Fallen Temple)
49:30min

ILLUM ADORA from Koblenz, Germany, already released two full-lengths and several (split) EPs and even a live-album in 2017. All in all eleven releases in twelve years of existence. This compilation features the two very first outputs, namely the two demos “Begotten” (2015) and “Unchained From Slavery” (2016). Maybe I sound like a grumpy old man now, but what I absolutely do not understand is this constant urge to release material. Do you really have to re-release demos that are only eight or seven years old? Maybe the demand from the fans was just as great, that could be the case. Maybe someone just wants to make money quickly and easily, that could also be the case. Anyway, maybe we should focus on the music. The first demo “Begotten” is heavily influenced by the early works of SAYTRICON and DESASTER, with that special touch of dark medieval times. The second demo “Unchained From Slavery”, even if some atmospheric riffs and stomping parts creep in here and there, is simpler, here you get a straight punch in the face more often. What strikes me: there is a cover version on each demo, one by ACID and one by PLASMATICS. But when you listen to it, you do not even notice that you are listening to a song originally performed by a band that is far away from generic early ’90s Black Metal. The fact that both bands had a female singer may or may not be a coincidence, I am not one for kitchen sink psychology. Musically it can be said for both demos that it still rumbles at one point or another and the ideas are recognizable, but then there is a lack of technical and songwriting qualities. Which in and of itself is not pitiful, since we deal with demos and by definition demos are not finished albums. In summary it can be said: a release that is primarily for fans of ILLUM ADORA and Black Metal die-hard fans who collect everything. More information can be found here www.facebook.com/illumadora and there www.facebook.com/fallentemple666

Mirco Szymyslik

Mirco Szymyslik

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