Deadman is the ex-guitarist of Turin's black metal band Adversam. That's all the information I could dig up about who Deadman actually is. Anyway, 'Spirito di Pietra' (translates to "spirit of stone") is the "result of a constant process of emptying, a progressive loss of a condition beyond Man and his own dimension" (quoted from the enclosed letter). The first question that came to my mind before hearing a single note was, that is that emptying meant as "process of emptying bowels?" Hey, never expect anything too good, because you'll only be disappointed. That's my guideline in life. I'm one fucking positive kind of a guy! Deadman doesn't seem to be either...

Songs, with utmost originality named as 'I' to 'IX', is what the album consist of, and no, thankfully it does not sound like emptying bowels. It all begins with sullen non-distorted guitar melody, with hard electronics backing it. 'II' is pure distorted black metal. At first it is blasting, with hummable guitar work, and then it cuts into a melodic part, and soon it's back to aggressive movement again. The next song starts with eerie atmosphere, erupting into fast blasting, then through a gloomy part into rocking yet epic territory. Yeah, the songs include various different parts, but do not feel exactly "tight". However, the parts that are thrown together tend to work alone, just not so well as compositions. Song number four changes this, as it is a shorter, and yes, a tighter composition, too. While it's a pretty much a merciless attack, the next one is more grim one, and one of the best songs on offer, because its parts match. 'VI' is the most depressed piece on the album. The next one belongs among the best songs on offer with its well-aimed storming, suitable ambiance and great epic ending. 'VIII' is another good one, with haunting and melancholic feel to it. A bit like black metal version of Katatonia's 'Brave Murder Day' somberness. The final song continues in desolate atmospheres.

All the instruments used, guitar, bass, and drums, are real. So points for the effort. Soundwise this is very typical; buzzing guitar sound, echoing drums, and reverbed vocals, which remind me of Abbath Doom Occulta to some extent. Far from worst bedroom black metal, but still raw.

'Spirito di Pietra' surely is listenable, but at times incompatible songwriting make it a bumpy ride. It does not offer any deep enough experiences, or original material, except for some minor experimenting. For me, it's above average as it is definitely devoid of lame stuff, and offers some good songs. It just feels too familiar in all, too safe.

Rating: 6 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
04/23/2011 23:19