Review by Alex on September 12, 2018.

Spectrum Mortis stretches far beyond the realms of darkness in order to acquire and translate the twisted visions locked within a demon's pineal gland. If you took trademarks of death metal, doom metal, funeral doom, second wave black metal and bestial black metal; fused them together in a violent whirlwind and waited for the storm to settle; then this would be the final fruits of the squall. A plague-riddled, sadistic, primal, carnivorous, unpleasant benefaction; being painfully excreted from an ogre's anus. 

Blasphemare Nomen Eius initiates the torment with a sample of creaturesque sounds and distant wailing in the background, perfectly creating an unsettling environment absent of comfort and hope. Once the mist creeps in and blankets the already bleak scene, a pounding drum of doom accompanied by deterrent guitars, accelerates the beating of the heart, as you fearfully await the spawning of an otherworldly entity. 

The standout track (as I see deem it to be) "Hymnus Mortis et Cruentum Sacrificium" attacks the listener with an intro of what seems to be the creaking cellar door of some forsaken realm; accompanied by sorrowful wailing and screaming. The opening guitars played by Aath and Aataa carry a very resonant psychedelic doom feeling, that strikes the core of soul with much force and precision. It then quickens in pace with the use of traditional black metal drumming; then returns to its former slowness in a heavy doom riddled, dragging guitar dominated section, which is covered by Sheram's voracious vocals. 

Every band member plays their respective roles with exceptional care and professionalism. Ta'ao's drumming is a mix of various styles; one can identify black/death metal segments /"war metal" as some may call it, black metal and the dominance of death/ doom drumming. The power chords laid on the EP, instill a picturesque portrait of a famine-stricken land, whilst ravenous bursts of tremolo picking marinate the rotting bodies, scattered across the withering landscape. Upon delving further, one easily can identify the understandable, loud, lawlessness of the lyrics, rigorous and purposely pelted out from "Sheram's" flesh - tearing vocals. The vocals Sheram summons onto Blasphemare Nomen Eius are a hybrid of black metal barks and death growls. They are dungeon-like and somewhat understandable in terms of audible clarity, and easily transports the listener into the visions being broadcasted. 

Spectrum Mortis is a band which goes above and beyond in their efforts to deliver an enjoyable record with a high level of replayability. They take some of the common trademarks of extreme metal and blend them into their modus operandi. I have given this record countless spins over the course of acquiring it. And it is with absolute certainty; that those who cross paths with Spectrum Mortis' Blasphemare Nomen Eius will likely do the same. What's that you say? You like death metal, doom metal, funeral doom, 2nd wave traditional black metal, and bestial black metal? Well, it's all here in this 25-minute malefic masterpiece of malice and molestation. Blasphemare Nomen Eius is short in length, as an EP usually is; however; the high quality of the musical compositions resemble the offerings of a full-length release. Spectrum Mortis has gained my unconditional support and I hope they continue to release music of such a high caliber. I look forward to their upcoming 2018 album קדוש and wish them the absolute best in their future endeavors. HAILS!

Rating: 9.8 out of 10

Review by Maciek on March 17, 2013.

Now this little gem really surprised me. I didn't even know that Christ Agony released new album in 2011!!! I think the last time I heard the band was in 1996 when they released "Moonlight - Act III". Then I had some short fascination with Cezar's side-project Moon and that was it. I completely forgot about them. But here it is, the latest album, called "NocturN" and I've realised how much I'd missed this sound.

Cezar's harsh vocals and that amazing atmosphere which sounds only like Christ Agony, nothing else. It's like Immortal's "At The Heart Of Winter" - there is only one album like that and none other sounds similar. But with Christ Agony it seems that Cezar was able to recreate the same feeling, same musical climate in which you feel great. And it's obviously Black Metal (maybe few elements from Death Metal, but really really few), maybe slightly closer to what Agalloch from USA is trying to play, so there are no furious tempos, but nevertheless the Black Metal feeling is here. Mostly thanks to Cezar vocals, which are really unique, it is a shriek, but closer to old Venom than early Emperor. There are various rhythms, but all are perfect compositions, no matter how many changes are during the track. And this is one of the artists, who should write music for movies - it would be amazing background to any horror I can think of.

The best track on this album to me - 'The Stigma Of Hell' - real beauty on this CD. And this album is another proof to me that if you master playing the guitar, your solos don't have to furiously fast, as long as you record a melody line which will haunt the listener. And I am definitely haunted. Oh, by the way, the drums on this album were done by Inferno from Behemoth. Now I can't wait for their next album...

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 10
Atmosphere: 10
Production: 9
Originality: 10
Overall: 9

Rating: 9.1 out of 10