LUCTUS
Stotis
(Inferna Profundus Records)
43:14min

Formed back in 2001, this Lithuanian band releases their second album and I am blown away. But in fact I was expecting this. They released in 2009 one of the best albums I have heard in the Death / Black Metal realm with “Jaučiant Pabaigą Arti” truly a masterpiece, which I cannot praise enough. Maybe due to their origin and being on small but nevertheless very hard working labels, this is the time that as a reviewer I am fulfilling my duty to let this rotten world know about this excellent band. They still write lyrics in their native language, which in my ears adds a more exotic approach thus giving them a very distinctive sound. And as with the previous album, the production values are very high, they do not abuse of over-produced instruments, yet everything can be heard clearly. The minor difference I find with this album versus their debut is that the songs have a more old school approach without drifting away from their brutal Death / Black Metal sound. Their sound can be compared to “Covenant” era MORBID ANGEL, with a symphonic Black Metal in the early MASTER’S HAMMER vein, and a subtle but noticeable old rock / metallic sound in the MOTÖRHEAD vein. Every time I listen to this one I find it even more and more to be a contender for album of the year in 2013. Guitars do a fantastic work, the rhythmic section is perfect and the vocalist is not afraid to try variations here and there that fit the music and enhances the overall experience. “Stotis” is a storm of pure hatred and black energy driven by a mighty beast of that will stop at nothing. This is what real Death / Black Metal is all about. Mark my words in fire, this is a must buy album, in an era where this kind of creations can be counted with the fingers of one hand. www.facebook.com/pages/luctus/96773898866, www.inferna-profundus.net

Julián “Mano kum¨tis” Núñez

Julián "Mano kum¨tis" Núñez

Related reviews / interviews:
LUCTUS - Sonitus Caeli Ardentis (Jeroni Sancho)
LUCTUS - Jauciant Pabaiga Arti (Julián Núñez )

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