Sacrilegium "Recidivus" Cassette Black and White!!

Recorded at DSP Studio, Wrocław, Winter 1997.
Cooperation with: Total War (T.W.106)
Pro tape limited to 100 copies, hand numbered: 1-50 White, 51-100 Black.

In the mid 90's Sacrilegium released „Wicher”, one of the most important Polish black metal materials of that era. Not only it was one of the very first polish black metal LPs, but also lyrics were all in Polish language. Some consider this material as the first true Polish pagan metal album. Surprisingly, despite this fact, Sacrilegium never became as great as Graveland or Behemoth. They released a couple of demos and disappeared into nothingness, to return after many years, but with rather different music.
„Recidivius” is a demo material released two years after „Wicher”. And it is not a surprise that it stays rather close to this great material. There are three tracks here, all sung in Polish. The opening title track starts with a storming race of drums and guitars, but also with a strong synthetic strings in the background. Black metal vocals aren't very grim, sometimes they sound more like a shouting than shrieking. There are also some clear vocals. Ironically, because of some production issues, these clear parts are less understandable than blackish ones. Despite vocal changes and synth parts, the song is still pretty fast and heavy. Second track „Grom” („Thunderbolt”) starts with acoustic guitars, but this is not a premise of some more atmospheric tune. It quickly turns into a faster track, powered with heavy guitars and drums. Just like before, some synthesisers are used, to make everything more melodic, but not very softer. Sacrilegium again makes a good balance between being heavy and melodic. Third, the final track „Zapomniana Potęga” ("Forgotten Might”) is more melodic song than the previous ones. This tune is more like a story, with a lot of tempo changes and recitations. It's enchanting and definitely the best part of this material.
„Recidivius” was released for the first time on the cassette at 1998 by ephemeral label Pagan Folk Production and, as far as I know, band wasn't happy because of that, since they didn't agree for publishing this demo. It was re-released in 2022 by Werewolf Promotion.
You can tell that Sacrilegium tried to change their style only a bit. Each of these songs could fit their previous material. Differences? Well, I have a feeling that these songs are slightly better played than the ones from „Wicher”, faster and more interesting. But still, it is a good example of well done pagan black metal and it is also quite disappointing that Sacrilegium never recorded more of this style.

Sample: