Search - In Aeternum :: Past & Present Sins

Blurring The Distinction Between Black Metal & Death Metal

Ken | Youngsville, LA USA | 02/16/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Taking their cue from Emperor's classic "Anthems..." back cover statement of playing "sophisticated Black Metal exclusively," In Aeternum proclaim in similar fashion that they play "superior Black/Death Metal exclusively. Hail the Metal of Death." And with that they hit it right on the mark, for they are a triumphant blend of Black Metal and semi-melodic Swedish Death Metal. "Past and Present Sins" clearly defines this as much as it showcases the band's musical progression and various line-ups between 1995 and 2001.
With respects to In Aeternum's sound, some tracks have almost a complete Black Metal blueprint while on other occasions the only Black Metal aspect is the vocal style and the random blast-beat. With tracks like "Witches Spell" and "The Arrival Of The Horde" that border on traditionally Heavy Metal foundations (especially the mostly mid-paced latter track), which even include Iron Maiden-esque melodic passages and a very Venom-ish feel to the overall proceedings - somewhat echoed in their superb Venom cover "Countess Bathory". This, more than any other element on their albums, solidifies any theories of exactly where their main influences lie. And to legitimize their use of mid-paced songwriting in a genre not typically known for this element, it's important to mention that there's no loss of edge or viciousness when the pace slows down. Ever.
"Cursed Legions", "Demon Possession", "Defeat Life", "The Storm Of Triumph", the Venom's "Countess Bathory", and King Diamond's "Abigail" are the numerous standouts here; although, in the case of the King Diamond track it's unfortunate but obvious that when King's operatic vocals (where his songs are meant to shine) aren't present, the song suffers a bit. Also found lacking are the four live tracks taken from the 2001 tour to support "The Pestilence Plague", where guitar riffs just melt inaudibly into a fiery cauldron of trebly noise and snare taps accentuated with vocals perhaps more akin to Death Metal.
Beware that the sound quality varies from track to track, considering that these songs are taken form different periods of the band's existence. And ironically, while many will prefer the more produced recent tracks, fans of traditional Black Metal will probably prefer the "necro effect," which I admit does give the older tracks an atmosphere and ambience reminiscent of Black Metal's true spirit from yesteryear.
While some may dismiss this as a non-essential release (since so many other bands have released similar retrospective CD's simply to cash-in or to fulfill contractual obligations), fans of In Aeternum should consider this album a vitally important treasure worth unearthing. Additionally, this collection of In Aeternum's unreleased, rare, cover, and live tracks is sure to appease fans of Venom, Bathory, Dissection, Angelcorpse, and everything in between. And while it may frustrate some that, just like on In Aeternum's other releases, they sit on the fence between Black Metal and Death Metal without ultimately deciding on one or the other, perhaps it's for this very reason that they are so brilliant, yet criminally underrated."