Mortichnia – Heir To Scoria And Ash (Apocalyptic Witchcraft)

Genre: Black Metal

It’s not surprising to learn that Heir To Scoria And Ash was produced by Altar of Plagues’ James Kelly – like that acclaimed trio and their fellow Irishmen, Mortichnia explore the outer realms of black metal, taking their listeners on a spin around a bleak landscape of sepia skies and skeletal cities.

What’s more, they do it with a fervour and grasp of dynamics which is often breathtaking; Heir, the album’s closer is a particular highlight, its interwoven, piercing melodies cutting through the darkness as the track builds to a blastbeat-driven mid-section, falls into the abyss, then reaches its dramatic conclusion. This is an intelligent bunch of musicians, make no mistake, an act who aren’t afraid to tackle lengthy, richly diverse pieces (the phenomenal Carrion Proclamation is nearly 15 minutes long) and make every note count.

Vocalist I.D’s unearthly howls only add to the album’s potency – he sounds like’s he’s screaming at you from another dimension, far away in the distance and frighteningly close at the same time.

Yes, this record requires a great deal of patience – perhaps too much – but spend some time with Heir To Scoria And Ash and it will get under your skin.

RUSHONROCK RATED: 7.5/10 Heir Apparent