Band:	Moss
Album:	Sub Templum
Style:	Drone doom metal
Release date:	May 26, 2008
A review by:	Lucas

01. Ritus
02. Subterraen
03. Dragged To The Roots
04. Gate III: Devils From The Outer Dark

Moss are back. Three years after their famous-in-small-circles debut "Chtonic Rites", it is time for another slow paced, eviscerating, nihilistic Drone Doom assault. Rejoice!

Not much has changed since the debut album. They have expanded their discography a little with a demo and a split 7", and landed a record deal with the renowned Rise Above Records (can anyone imagine a better label for this band?), but that's about it. "Chtonic Rites" was often described as Volcanic Drone Doom, or something along those lines, and that description fits "Sub Templum" just as well. Low rumbling drones, squealing feedback, slow but crushing drums and terrifying, insane screams. It may be a little less noisy and chaotic than its predecessor, but it's still heavy as hell.

After a couple of listens the most important differences with the debut will reveal to be that the production is a lot clearer, and that there are a few spoken word passages. The moments between the notes are no longer filled with trudging feedback, but are often empty, allowing the listener to breathe during the record. In my opinion this is a change for the worse, but it definitely makes the album more accessible and therefore more suitable for the beginning Drone Doom adept. The spoken vocals are a nice addition and are eerie enough to convince the listener.

All in all "Sub Templum" is once again a mind-boggling, mind-numbing and most certainly mind-crushing piece of work, only for the sick. Do you dare to venture into the long dark tunnel of lurking death, animalistic fear, endless misanthropy and nihilistic sickness? At the end of the tunnel the reward is the blissful knowledge that from now on few things will be too tough for your to handle, but naturally, chances of survival are close to nihil...