'Societatis Draconistrarum' (Latin for The Order of the Dragon) is Argath's debut album. If the band's demos (4 official plus 1 unofficial recording) were more or less black metal, this album is less. Yes, here's very fast black metal parts, but also a lot of mid-paced metal and atmospheric slow passages.

'Societatis Draconistrarum' sounds kind of familiar, but still not any certain band. Argath's countrymen Evemaster, Norway's disbanded Limbonic Art and Greece's legendary Septic Flesh are good trinity where I can draw links to while listening to this. I can't comment whether lyrical theme(s) of the album are black metal (the lyrics aren't included on promo copy) or not, but musically this sounds more like dark metal in my ears. Dark melodies are abound throughout the album, some simply fantastic, others heard many many times before. Vocals are mainly ugly black metal voice, but there's different fitting styles used. Synth (generally okay) plays as important part of the music as guitar. Various guitar sounds are well utilized. Cover art is very Moonfog-esque, but I really can't relate Argath to that label's bands.

'Societatis Draconistrarum' has its good moments, but sound destroys something vital, especially during more aggressive parts. Drum machine is shite, powerless and sometimes inaudible. Guitars are quite heavy and definitely the power ingredient of the album. Synths are preset sounds, but they are good for what they are. Vocals are quite quiet. Echo, which doesn't create any atmosphere, but on the contrary, makes everything too incoherent. Probably recorded at home "studio".

'Societatis Draconistrarum' doesn't do much to me. As mentioned, it has some good moments, but majority of the album has been heard before. Dark metal fans might want to check this out, if you miss the two aforementioned disbanded legendary bands, but do not expect too similar experience. With this album, Argath will not rise among the legends, but they still have threads in their own hands.

Rating: 5- (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
05/21/2005 12:45