Band:	Hæresiarchs Of Dis
Album:	Denuntiatus Cinis
Style:	Black metal
Release date:	October 12, 2010
A review by:	Troy Killjoy

01. Entry
02. Intent The Proem
03. The Respite
04. Intent Canticle
05. Intent The Augury
06. Bemoan The Fallen
07. Median Existere
08. Nine Days They Fell
09. Intent Concupiscence
10. Ad Baculum
11. Intent The Succedaneum
12. Intent Postremo Enclosure Orsorum
13. Exeunt

Black metal
United States
Moribund Records

Line-up on the CD:
Cernunnos - vocals, all instruments


Hæresiarchs Of Dis is a one-man occult black metal project formed in the late '90s that reeks of early Emperor imitation yet never seems to capture the essence of what makes a great black metal album. I'm talking about songwriting of course: everyone and their dog can write cliche riffs according to the restrictions of a specific metal genre, but to do it in such a way that breaks through to an entire audience and demands their undivided attention - that is what music is all about.

Denuntiatus Cinis immediately falls flat in that regard. While there is an "epic" feel to the songs, some truly amazing melodies, and what comes off as an atmosphere that pays homage to many of Norway's grimmest black metal titans, the overall lack of direction makes for an unfortunately forgettable listen. Almost every song is too long, much like the poetry of an obnoxious high school kid trying to impress his classmates and/or teacher with his very own "Odyssey".

So we have some aggression balanced by melody, eerie instrumentals and interludes, atmospheric chants - the works. But all we're left with as an audience is something so jumbled it doesn't have any lasting power. It takes an awful long time to finish the album and once it does reach an end, there really isn't much to say for it - just some lazily programmed drum work, typical song structures, and predictable black metal riffage with a hint of dark ambience.

Aside from just being a black metal album, Denuntiatus Cinis doesn't offer much to the average listener. Fans of the genre will appreciate it simply for the fact that it's another new album to eat up and make an opinion about, but overall this isn't something the metal world should get too worked up about. The guitar work is above average, Cernunnos's shrieks are strong (though samey), and the "necro sound" isn't abused.

So what's the deal?

Is it symphonic? Is it traditional? It's hard to say, because it seems that it tries too hard to be both. And trying to be something in the metal world, even if it only comes off as trying, simply won't cut it. Maybe our composer ought to get out of California and head north for some inspiration (as well as someone to handle real drumming duties). There's potential for greatness in the near future here, but this album is already a thing of the past.


Website: http://www.myspace.com/heresiarchsofdis