Year: 2021
Total Time: 38:58
Label: Agonia Records
In the year 2021 we have another strong comeback! “Hadeon” back in 2018, was mostly a reconnaissance than a proper album. The fans were divided, talking this release with not much joy. Of course PETILENCE’s mastermind, Patrick Mameli had made other plans in his mind…
Let’s face the truth, PESTILENCE’s holy trinity (I am referring to “Malleus Maleficarum”, “Testimony Of The Ancients” and “Spheres”) is very hard to be overpassed. However, the most important element of this band is the ability to differ from one record to another. The pandemic and its consequences affected Mameli who had to dismiss all of the previous band’s members and collaborate with new ones, in order to fulfill his new vision. These new band mates had to be focused on target and give 100% of their professionalism, since Mameli is well known for his total loyalty to the goal achievement. The lyrical theme of “Exitivm” deals with human’s battle with inner demons and mental health. Also some themes with demons unholy creatures, terror and world domination find their place here.
As for the music arrangements, the guitar riffs stay obscure, fast and aggressive (not to mention the familiar unique “jazzy” solos). The drumming performed by ex-GOD DETHRONED’s drummer Michiel Van Der Plicht is catalytic and shows the way for the others. Blastbeating is limited but the speed remains at a high tempo and the extensive key usage creates a dark and sick atmosphere, able to lurk into unexplored soundscapes. The production is warm and has a very strong feeling of the 80’s, but remains as “clinic” as it should be, since Mameli is involved in it, with the useful help of Jory Hogeveen. Some typical songs of this new route are “Morbvs Propagationem” and “Intericionem” with the unique intermediate keyboards solo, the rest of them are very close in quality and help the listener to be part of this atmosphere.
“Exitivm” lasts no longer than forty minutes, a good fact for me, although there is a progressive character and we all know that “prog” tends to be a little bit fatigue. Once more Mameli thought out of the box and granted us with a masterwork that sounds old fashioned with modern play and innovative mood. Everything seems to fit perfectly and the prework looks thorough at it’s most. You must try hard to find some unnecessary moments. Far better than “Hadeon”, “Exitivm” will grant the audium with pleasant and commemorative listening, creating a dose of impatience of what PESTILENCE will bring in the future.
Rating: 7/10
Editor: Dimos Karadimos
Related Link: PESTILENCE – Official Page
