CD re-released by Azermedoth Records. Includes as bonus the "Mors Imperium Aetheriam" demo.
Tracks 8-11 taken from "Mors Imperium Aetheriam" demo (2000).
I was introduced to Metallum not too long ago. So I started to browse around and was really impressed by its range. I came again and again, day after day, after day. So I thought I should become a member and bring my contribution. I started to look at bands that left their mark on me, bands that created some of the best masterpieces I had the chance to discover. Then Argentum went down on the short list, and I was curious to see if they had more, or new stuff that I already have. I knew they were underground and not well-known but it was really surprising to see only one review. I followed their link, went to there myspace, and once again was stunned to see they were not so listen to. I guess that is maybe the way they want it to be. As you can see, they haven’t produced much material over the years. Hopefully they will bring us some new stuff in the near future.
Argentum plays unique atmospheric black/doom metal with death influence. The way they play there riffs is really slow and heavy and that is not so usual in black metal. Also the voice of Khabee is like no other, deep and really dark but closer to death metal. That, combined with the lead guitar and their haunting keyboards, create an unparalleled funeral and relaxed atmosphere. Actually, both of their works are truly complete, the cover art and the somber poetry reflects their music exactly. Argentum incorporates a lot of latin in their works, it accentuates the funeral atmosphere. Pretty much all titles are in latin. Most lyrics remain in English.
Stigma Morturorum is the second full length for this exceptional band from Mexico. It was recorded from September to November 2000. I got it on LP, Side A is the first four tracks and is about 21 min. Total length around 40min. Descensus Nigrum can be translated as ‘’Descent to the dark’’ (intro), lasts a bit longer than a minute, the keyboards create a mystical gloomy atmosphere and Khabee delivers a dark tirade that brings you right in the mood of the Argentum experience. The album is an entire concept as the title of the second song ‘’the gardens of the unsane renovation’’ really follows the idea of the intro. It opens strongly with really dominant keyboards, like the 4th title of side A, the keyboard leads the rhythm of these songs, and the lead guitar comes after it to increase the power of the song. Side B will bring you the last three songs. The 6th title ‘’Basium mortis’’ (kiss of death) is piano only, even if the album is shorter than the previous one, the intro and interlude don’t feel like filling to complete the album. Argentum creates an atmosphere, a mood that lasts for the entire album. Each time I have to stop the music when listening to one of these albums, I wish I could stop time and let the entire album play. I’ve always been more an album listener than a random song one. It’s probably why I like Argentum projects so much. Tracks 3, 5 and 7 are built in a different way. In opposition to the 2nd and 4th , guitar leads the rhythm and the keyboard comes over it to create that funeral mood. These 3 songs will sound closer to the first opus of Argentum. Compared to the first album, the keyboard is stronger and louder, rhythms of the tracks are a little bit faster, the drum is still simple but a little quieter. So overall, the atmosphere is not as relaxed as the first album where the whole instruments were pretty much at the same level and more like an ensemble. I can also say that the guitar of Chebb Maelstrom is missing. The lead guitar on that album is not as smooth as on the first one, it sounds a little bit grim. Still in the same way, but not with that much finesse. That’s why 85%, they’ve already done a little better. Stigma Morturorum is a really awesome piece and way over most of the albums I’ve ever heard. These guys don’t produce much, quality over quantity!
If you don’t have any Argentum and would like to discover it, I suggest their first work, ‘’Ad Interitum Funebrarum’’ it is pretty rare but I’ve seen some on the Internet. And I’m sure you will try to find their second album soon after. Argentum is a must have for anyone that enjoys good metal.
Sample: youtube.com/watch?v=JdCXfjj6_Sw
