Band:	Nero Di Marte
Album:	Nero Di Marte
Style:	Alternative metal, Extreme progressive metal
Release date:	March 18, 2013
A review by:	Susan

01. Convergence
02. Time Dissolves
03. Resilient
04. Nero di Marte
05. Drawn Back
06. Anoptikon

An Italian progressive death metal band called Murder Therapy started making waves in 2010 with the release of an EP that brought them away from their more death metal debut and saw them inch closer to the progressive side of metal. As their style evolved, they changed their name in 2012 for the impending release of their next album. The new band is called Nero Di Marte and this is their official debut.

Every fan of Klone or Tool, etc, should really be aware of Nero Di Marte. In fact, it's like a death-inspired version of Klone at times. I actually had to check and make sure it wasn't just a side project of, like, most/all of their members.

But seriously, it's really good. So it's similar to another band. You'll get over it. And more importantly you'll soon appreciate the differences between the two.

Aside from the beautifully gritty tunes I know you're already imagining, expect a somewhat natural mysticism from this harder-hitting band. The music is dense, like the forest floor. And the density grows to surround you, like moss on the thick trees that block your path. The heaviness is exact. You can sense their death metal roots without feeling like you're missing anything by their absence.

The drumming really contributes to this slight tribal atmosphere. Special attention paid to the floor tom did not go unnoticed. In fact, this drummer is really something else; Marco Bolognini is his name and he really does it all. Wicked rolls, punishing toms, and clever cymbal work accompany some of the most creative rhythms I've heard in ages. All of this goes hand-in-hand with the fact that you can really hear the bass. What a treat! Drums and bass that are not only audible but truly fascinating.

The result is an album that is as visually stimulating as it is aurally satisfying. This is music that really takes you on a journey, with songs that tell complex stories.

Nero Di Marte releases on March 18th; pre-order your copy to let the journey begin.