### Deus Mortem: Darknessence

#### 12/03/12 || BamaHammer

The trick to these listening to the music for these Stubs is pressing play with the absolute worst expectations possible. That way the utter shit that is usually heard doesn’t seem quite so bad. However, when I found out that Inferno of Behemoth fame teamed up with Azarath’s Necrosodom to release an 8-minute EP with a ridiculously cheesy title under the moniker Deus Mortem, it’s hard to keep your expectations low. Luckily, this duo blew me away. Inferno handles not only the drums, but also some guitar duties while Necrosodom takes care of the rest of the guitar business and the vocals. To be blunt, this is some serious modernized black metal. Inferno proves once again he can blast along with blazing speed and world-class precision, and it’s an absolute privilege to hear him go to work here. Necrosodom also makes a case for himself being a premier black metal talent both vocally and instrumentally. The first track, “Receiving The Impurity Of Jeh” is absolutely stunning in all aspects. The assault is absolutely relentless, but at the same time remains catchy and hypnotic. The second and (sadly) final track is a cover of Sigh’s “The Knell,” which I’m not entirely crazy about. Nonetheless, you need to hear this EP, especially if black metal is your thing. There is some serious potential here. I just wish they had given us another original. Or nine. But instead… sigh. Sorry.

8/10: Thank you sirs, may I please have another.