Lithuanian blackthrasher Luctus' seventh release is the band's debut full length work. The split album 'Sonitus Caeli Ardentis' (2007) with their countrymen Argharus showed the power that the one-man band Luctus carry, even though its machiney soundscape was not for my liking. So, my expectations were high, and what happened?

In today's metal scene, it is not easy to sound characteristic. Luctus cannot be called as "inventive", but with the vehement alloy of black metal, thrash metal and Lithuanian pagan stylings Luctus carves its own niche. "Terminator" style intro made me think, that "is it machiney again?", but 'Mors Omnia Solvit' proved my fear wrong, thanks to Flesh 'n' blood drummer Kingas. Luctus are packed with hellish firepower! Vortex-like black metal, often in truly punky way, together with biting thrash metal is sporadically refined more down-to-earth with pagan metal tendency, and slower groove parts really kick the testicles area. No modern bullshit, that's what Luctus are all about, bringing the fiery balls of steel back to blackthrashing. At times it all gets a bit forseeable and repetitive, but the high level of vitality compensates quite a lot.

Soundwise this is congenial with sharp yet rusty guitars, organic drums and convincingly performed vocals, which are simply fucking aggressive! All but one Latin song are sung, as well as the lyrics printed, in Lithuanian, which proves to be a bit of an obstacle. Surely, it sounds good, but the deeper analysis can't be done by me (been waiting for English translations from Kommander L. for some weeks now...). It is said to be a concept album about various subjects (war, patriotism, material values etc.) of how the world would look like just a few minutes before its end. The cover artwork is like a diary, and even though the drawings are a bit naive, it is good enough work.

If blackthrash with some heathen constituents rouses your appetite, then Luctus' debut album is one to check out. The band's development since the previous work has been prompt yet still quite steep. More than I expected for, actually, so mission accomplished.

Rating: 7 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
04/15/2009 20:33