Review by Alex on December 17, 2018.

Luguber from Eadem is something much more than black metal; in fact, after hearing this daring take on the genre, the main impression left is Eadem were not even trying to make something unique in black metal, it all sounds as if it manifested subconsciously as a result of dabbling with occult forces. The music on Luguber sounds like it is meant to be listened when in a remote cave, lit by candles; such a creepy unnerving presence is felt when engaging the record. It’s only 22 minutes in length but for such a short run-time, it accomplishes inquisitive arousal. "What the heck is this?", my initial thought, I still can't find an answer yet I continue to listen. 

The Introduction of the first track “Consecutive Dementia” features a general hint at the blueprint of musical direction of what is to follow. “Restrained by an Old Rite” is then presented afterwards and immediately, landscaping guitars, lo-fi un-orthodox drumming, a twisted sounding vocalist and an unnerving chorus ushers the listener to the ceremony. Luguber is a mixture of male and female possessed sounding singing, some 2nd wave black metal riffing and unorthodox black metal drumming, sung chants and psychedelic metal undertones, most of which can be heard on the tracks “Delusions of Grandeur” and “Head Held Up”. “Acute Scarlet Melancholia” is the selling point of Luguber, the song has a ghastly emanation, a feeling of overwhelming freight, yet pleasurable, soft female vocals trail alongside the opening melody. There is also an expression of melancholy (hence the title) but it is not so strong that it overrides the mystique and horror. It’s a strange album this one, you always get the impression that Eadem are actually performing a ritual in the background as the music plays. Some sort of mischief/wickedness is unfolding before your ears for your mind to envision. 

Spiritual practices in Dementia/A spellcaster’s dangerous dabbling:

• “Restrained by an Old Rite”
• “Delusions of Grandeur”
• “Acute Scarlet Melancholia”

Rating: 7.3 out of 10

Review by JD on April 2, 2009.

Seeing the cover of this album intrigued me all to hell, and put a smile on to this reviewer's face. Putting the disk on was another thing all together. Oath's "Devil's Victim" made me feel very conflicted within the bowels of my own metal soul here... what in the hell is going on?

Lumbering out of Italy, Dezzo Death (Bass god) has come out with a side project from his usual tenure he has going on with the mostly amazing Sidus Tenebrarum. After hearing and reviewing his main bands release, I was more than interested in hearing just what it was that he had come out with this time. I was all at the same time, feeling so happy and greatly disappointed.

Oath's music itself, showed great power and intense musicality through out this six song outing into the pits of Black/Death metal modes. Strong old school styled black tinged lyrics and uncompromising bludgeoning riffs made for a intense listen. Each song is pretty damned good in of itself, but the weakness comes directly from how the whole album had been produced and recorded.

The album was almost irritatingly tinny sounding, with the drums that seem to be almost overly recorded and set far too high in the mixes throughout. There was also seriously bad separation between every instrument used and even the vocals... It was pretty badly done, but I was glad that the music itself was not totally bad. It made it nearly impossible to make a full opinion done, but I did like it mostly, despite it all.

To making it all simple as hell to understand the whole damned thing. I did really like Oath and everything about these Italians are based upon how talented musically they are, I was not liking the recorded aspect of it. It is sort of bitter sweet... I love rough recordings, just not this damned rough.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 7
Atmosphere: 6
Production: 2 (for the tinny, almost irritating production aspects)
Originality: 5
Overall: 6

Rating: 5.2 out of 10

Review by JD on April 2, 2009.

Seeing the cover of this album intrigued me all to hell, and put a smile on to this reviewer's face. Putting the disk on was another thing all together. Oath's "Devil's Victim" made me feel very conflicted within the bowels of my own metal soul here... what in the hell is going on?

Lumbering out of Italy, Dezzo Death (Bass god) has come out with a side project from his usual tenure he has going on with the mostly amazing Sidus Tenebrarum. After hearing and reviewing his main bands release, I was more than interested in hearing just what it was that he had come out with this time. I was all at the same time, feeling so happy and greatly disappointed.

Oath's music itself, showed great power and intense musicality through out this six song outing into the pits of Black/Death metal modes. Strong old school styled black tinged lyrics and uncompromising bludgeoning riffs made for a intense listen. Each song is pretty damned good in of itself, but the weakness comes directly from how the whole album had been produced and recorded.

The album was almost irritatingly tinny sounding, with the drums that seem to be almost overly recorded and set far too high in the mixes throughout. There was also seriously bad separation between every instrument used and even the vocals... It was pretty badly done, but I was glad that the music itself was not totally bad. It made it nearly impossible to make a full opinion done, but I did like it mostly, despite it all.

To making it all simple as hell to understand the whole damned thing. I did really like Oath and everything about these Italians are based upon how talented musically they are, I was not liking the recorded aspect of it. It is sort of bitter sweet... I love rough recordings, just not this damned rough.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 7
Atmosphere: 6
Production: 2 (for the tinny, almost irritating production aspects)
Originality: 5
Overall: 6

Rating: 5.2 out of 10