Necromaniac is a band I was not aware of until recently, when I received the EPK for their debut album “Sciomancy, Malediction & Rites Abominable“. The record came out on the 13th of January on CD (vinyl format will be released later), as a joint coop between Invictus Prod and The Ajna Offensive. The band has been active since 2016 and so far has released 2 demos and 1 EP, which, as mentioned, went under my radar for an unkown reason.
Necromaniac is based in London and its members, even though coming from different countries (Greece, Sweden, Spain or Poland), are well known musicians with a lasting presence in the satanic black metal underground (Acrimonious, Nightbringer, Acherontas, Macabre Omen, The One, Matricide or Morbid Insulter).
“Sciomancy, Malediction & Rites Abominable” is that type of album which hits you right from the very listen, as its music is extremely addictive and relatively simple, with no gimmicks or unnecessary elements. The 9 tracks have a story of their own but together they all form a whole, like an ever hungry dragon devouring its own scaly tail, over and over again. This continuous act of self cannibalism is emphasized by the 2 tracks which open and close the record, the instrumental track “Caput Draconis” (Dragon’s Head) and “Necrmomancess / Cauda Draconis” (Dragon’s Tail) respectively. This gives the album a profound feeling of perpetual movement, of a never-ending flow which, despite the horrific nature of the music, makes the listening experience highly enjoyable.
In order to accentuate further more the ritualistic aspect of their music the band has also invited some guest musicians to perform their cursed craft on “Sciomancy“. On the already mentioned Intro we can hear Nemtheanga‘s sorrowful vocals while on the last track Negative Plane‘s Nameless Void makes use of his bells and synths. But the pièce de résistance is saved for the songs “Calling Forth the Shade” and “Conjuration of St. Cyprian” on which we can hear a certain A Corpse Without A Soul, who is none other than the infamous Mark of the Devil from Cultes Des Ghoules. His presence on these 2 songs is indeed disturbing and uncomfortable in the best way possible, adding an extra layer of morbidity to the package. I figure his participation on this record didn’t happen by chance, as there’s a strong connection (musically, lyrically and ideologically) between these 2 unholy bands.
This record is a ritualistic experience per se, it feels as if every musician has sold its own soul to the Devil to make this album the perfect work. You don’t even realize when the 48 minutes have passed, everything is very intense and keeps you in a tight grip from start to finish. The music is rooted in the old, primitive black metal underground (richly infused with heavy metal vibes) from which bands like Celtic Frost, Mortuary Drape, Sarcófago or Tormentor emerged in the mid 80’s.
Everything is slowly rotting on this record, form the very first Ugh! to the guitar tone and the primitive, almost “cave man” style drum pounding, with human bones instead of wooden sticks. The atmosphere is enhanced by some morbid keyboards, which linger discreetely over the songs (ex. “Grave Mound Oath“, “Calling Forth the Shade“). There’s nothing modern on this album (perhaps the production), everything reeks of old metal and mouldy crypts. “Teraphim (Skull Sorcery)” has even some very cool old Slayer infused riffs which will make you headbang like a bloody lunatic, while still retaining its necro vibe.
C. Howler‘s vocals are absolutely fantastic, they perfectly convey that morbid and dreadful feeling of devil worship and black magic the whole album is wrapped up in. Sadistik Fornicator‘s guitars tear your flesh apart with their sharp riffs while V.Pestilencia‘s drums crush furiously everything in their way.
The last song is the album’s grand finale, the total apex of what has been played until that moment. In these 10 minutes Necromaniac has built a slow and dense doom like atmosphere which creeps on you with malevolent vocals and menacing riffs, enhanced by the use of timpani and Nameless Void‘s bells. Towards the middle part the song suddenly changes, first into a short but sinster heavy metal burst, then into frenzied blast beats before ending with the same notes as on the above mentioned “Caput Draconis“.
What I like most about this record (besides the music) is the atmosphere this band has created all throughout the 48 minutes of this sonic sorcery. Even though everything is as morbid and raw as possible, there is still some “melody” hidden in between the layers which makes the whole experience highly enjoyable. I can honestly say that the more you listen to this record, the more it grows on you. Everytime I re-play it I discover new things, a riff here, a timpani there, and that is something I appreciate very much in an album. Add to that the album cover, as mysterious and occult as an engraving from a black magic grimore and you have the whole picture. This is that kind of a black metal record which should not miss from any serious record collection.
NECROMANIAC Line Up:
C. Howler – Vocals
Sadistik Fornicator – guitars / synths
The One – bass
V. Pestilencia – drums
NECROMANIAC – “SCIOMANCY, MALEDICTION & RITES ABOMINABLE” TRACK LIST:
1. Caput Draconis
2. Daemonomantia
3. Grave Mound Oath
4. Calling Forth the Shade
5. Great Is the Thirst of the Restless Dead
6. Teraphim (Skull Sorcery)
7. Conjuration of St. Cyprian
8. Swedenborg’s Skull
9. Necromancess / Cauda Draconis
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