Italian black/death metal band Voltumna (a chthonic deity in Etruscan mythology, even though sounding a lot like a Nordic one) have been active since 2009, and have put out an EP and four full-length albums thus far. The second EP, 'For Death Is Fate', will be out very soon, and my first contact with the band (apart from reading some news from them in the past).

The basic traits here are heavy-handed riffing, militaristic drum beats and otherworldly keyboards and sound effect. There's some tremolo riffing on offer, but also less-distorted open notes to conjure black metal-ish dark atmosphere. I'd say it's about 50/50, death metal and black metal rate. The songwriting isn't straight, but it's not free-flowing either; the songs are clearly emphasizing both heavy and more atmospheric parts in turns. The material is a bit too samey in general, even though there are unique bits and bops on each track.

Heavier bits are akin to Behemoth or newer Loudblast, so it can get fast (to blast beat velocity) and hard-hitting. This carries Mediterranean vibes, but definitely not romantic, as metal music from that region often does. This is has more ritualistic kind of vibes, in vein of Rotting Christ during early 2000s with weirder synthesizers and sounds. I'd also throw Septicflesh (some eerie symphony-esque elements do appear here) in as well as Italian compatriots Heruka (the general ethics) for references.

The production is quite clear and even. The drums are triggered I guess as they seem to have same hitting power throughout, making them a tad mechanic compared to other instruments. The bass guitar is its own entity with brave fretboard utilization. The vocals arr multifaceted, and by two members; growls, screams and shrieks are on offer, and often multilayered.

The band proudly carry their Etruscan roots, and this EP is an interesting entry, certainly. The band have something characteristic going on. What this is missing is hooks. I've listened to it quite a many times, but there isn't many anchor points to cling to. It's also rather labyrinthine, songwriting-wise. But yeah, interesting despite its illegibility.

Rating: 7 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
01/17/2024 22:28