Band:	In Peccatum
Album:	MDLXIII
Style:	Heavy metal
Website:	http://www.inpeccatum.com
Release date:	November 30, 2009
A review by:	Ernis

01. All I Am Is Fear (Prelude)
02. (Our Last) Heartbeat
03. Aduro Letifer
04. Difusas Sombras
05. Tão Temerosas... As Cinzas
06. From An Ashery Flower
07. So Shall Ye Wither (Outro)

In Peccatum are a doom/gothic ensemble from the Azorean Isles of Portugal who have been around already since 1998. The EP MDLXIII is their newest release and offers some pleasant musical experiences for everyone who appreciates some good melodic metal.

This release is a concept work that describes a volcanic eruption that struck the island of São Miguel in 1563. This background story is the strongest side of the album. The band have used lines from the work "Saudades da Terra" by a XVI century historian Gaspar Frutuoso who was present during the disaster. All this gives the album a fine depth.

Musically the album expresses well the terror of the natural disaster, the fear and the hopelessness of the people for whom the day is suddenly turned into night and whose familiar environment is turned into an infernal otherworld in an instant. This atmosphere is especially well expressed during the introduction of the album. Well written melodies paint a very nice musical landscape. There are some passages and colours that remind the keyboard passages of the early works of Dimmu Borgir and the Italian gothic band Macbeth. Another strong side of the album are the Portuguese lyrics. Already the sound of the language suits the music perfectly and helps create the special authentic atmosphere. The thoughtful and serious spoken lines tell a lot even to those who might not understand Portuguese.

The whole course of this EP is very pleasant and can be taken as one song in its entirety. The structure of the album is good and easy to follow. All of the songs have some spellbinding elements but the most beautiful moment is the last track which is nothing more than a simple classical guitar ballad, yet very emotional.
This light and pleasant EP is a fine companion for you during somewhat lonely everyday trips to school and/or work through the greyness of the morning.