REVIEW: LEGIO MORTIS - The Human Creation and the Devil's Contribution

 

LEGIO MORTIS - The Human Creation and the Devil's Contribution (2011)

MDD Records

A couple of years after the release of their third album, German sextet LEGIO MORTIS strikes back with a new work bearing the rather clever title The Human Creation and the Devil's Contribution. Lyrically, the band deals with Satan, ancient times and darkness in general, but the ideas presented also offer some food for thought beyond simply serving the songs and contributing to their extreme and sinister atmosphere. There is more to the lyrical approach than the usual dark imagery, which helps give the album an additional dimension.

Musically, LEGIO MORTIS dwell somewhere between death and black metal, incorporating plenty of dark and gothic metal elements into their sound. Although this combination may initially seem familiar and rather common, the truth is that these guys have managed to deliver a quite original and characteristic result, different from what we're mainly used to hearing within these genres. This does not mean that their music avoids the established clichés and familiar ingredients associated with death, black and gothic metal. Rather, the band approaches them from its own perspective, combining recognizable elements with a slightly modern twist, most notably through the use of keyboards, which contribute to the overall atmosphere without completely overshadowing the heavier aspects of the music.

The musicianship is very good throughout the album, while most of the songs are catchy and interesting enough to maintain the listener's attention. The compositions balance aggression with darker, more atmospheric passages, allowing the band to explore different shades of its sound without losing its overall identity. The production is also very good, giving the material the clarity and weight it needs while supporting the album's dark character. Another interesting detail is the guest vocal appearance by Liv Kristine (LEAVES' EYES) on "Life Denied", which adds a further dimension to the album.

All in all, The Human Creation and the Devil's Contribution is an interesting release from a band that manages to combine familiar genre characteristics with its own ideas and a modern approach. If you like contemporary interpretations of dark, gothic death/black metal, then LEGIO MORTIS might be a good start for you!

Christine  Parastatidou