(Invictus Productions)
Rating: 7.5
The Brainiac title of Sciomancy, Malediction & Rites Abominable is the debut full-length from UK’s Necromaniac. The most noteworthy member of these ghoulish demons is vocalist C. Howler who also fronts Colorado black metallers Nightbringer.
Necromaniac formed in 2011 and two demos and an EP preceded this conjuration which has a raw maturity about it. It’s a cauldron of thrashing black metal taking cues from Slayer’s Hell Awaits, Possessed, Mortuary Drape, and early Sepultura. There is also some spooky weirdness with haunting organs to set a grave ridden atmosphere – the 6 minute “Calling Forth The Shade” is an incantation with Howler making guttural, ghastly noises behind a doom-laced riff.
Howler again draws intention in the short intro “Conjuration Of St. Cyprian” sounding like a mad priest – definitely drawing on some King Diamond influence.
The 7 minute “Grave Mound Oath” crushes with a variety riffs, calling upon their influences without total mimicry and the spellbinding “Teraphim (Skull Sorcery)” is a mass conjuration utilizing an Eastern inspired riff and melody (one of the few melodies found).
The open-wound, death-worship intensity of this album is something to behold – transporting 1985 to 2025. The drums could use some more power to them, but I understand what they were accomplishing with production choices.
The finale and mammoth 10 minute “Necromancess / Cauda Draconis” overstays its welcome and relies on a hypnotizing atmosphere, however this 9 track, 48 minute rite of magick slays and worthy of much attention. Seek it out!
Source: bravewords.com
