IGNIS VRBIS MITHRAE

"Sacrae Romanae Origines"

Wolf Age - 2009

CD

Do you remember when, once upon a time, labels like Cthulhu Records or World Serpent used to release mysterious and fascinating records out of the blue, by bands and artists we knew nothing at all about, but who were able to conquer us at once with arcane sounds and vaguely disturbing artworks? It's been a very long time since I felt those sensations, maybe because of the Internet and its total info exposition that leaves no place for imagination, or, more likely, because of the scene itself, currently relying upon predictable stereotypes. But, here it comes this debut under the name Ignis Vrbis Mithrae (Latin for "the fire of Mithras' city"), wrapped in a genuine shroud of mystery and released by Wolf Age in a black digipak adorned with beautiful pictures that recall the civilization of ancient Rome. The project's name and the CD's title are, indeed, representative.

The sound fortunately parts from any current "fashion" (no neofolk or cheap martial tunes), to embrace gloomy epics, made of subterranean rites and secret ceremonies, those ideally dedicated to Mithras, the god of the Unconquered Sun. Initial "Vbi Bene Ibi Patria", with its disquieting electronic mantra and reverberated voice in the distance, and the following "Rvit Hora!", with its glacial ceremonial chant, bring memories of Ain Soph's "Kshatriya", while the following tracks explore more musical territories, almost soundtrack-like ("Mores Maiorvm"), or worth of an epic saga in the shadow of the imperial eagle ("Natvs Prima Lvce", "Pax Romana II"). Equally convincing are the introspective moments for piano and keyboards ("Pax Romana", "Dextrarvm Ivnctio"), and the final liturgy of "Rvit Hora, O Roma".

A remarkable CD from every point of view, from the excellent graphics to the well-produced and evocative sounds. Above all, this is a record of played music, samples rate is equal to zero. Recommended.

- Simon V.

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/wolfagerecords