Search - Watain :: Casus Luciferi

A great release made even greater

Taylor Carr | www.guitar6.com | 02/10/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Casus Luciferi" has long been one of those albums that I think fondly of when I begin to miss the heyday of black metal. It has a diabolical blend of new and old, as it pays homage to Mayhem and Dissection, yet manages to be even more sinister and quite unique in the grand scope of things. There are moments of blistering chaos interspersed with moments of mid-paced morbid beauty, to craft a record of multiple dimensions. Tracks like "Opus Dei" and "I Am the Earth" are unholy anthems that testify to the purpose and promise of Watain in spectacular ways.



As much as I love the material on "Casus Luciferi", I've always thought the production job was seriously flawed. I do have appreciation for underground black metal, but certain styles of playing also lose some of their impact and effect if the sound quality is poor. The original recording of this album had extremely low bass and a very weak, paper-thin sound that was extremely disappointing for the segments of music that really summoned power and intensity.



Once I discovered that this record had been remastered, I bought it immediately, having heard the improved production Season of Mist offered on "Sworn to the Dark". Let me simply say that this is exactly the treatment the album deserved from the start. The bass mix is thunderous and powerful, and every instrument is clearly distinguishable from the others. A haunting, demonic atmosphere is captured brilliantly on this remaster of an album that has helped to keep the black, pulsating heart of black metal alive still today."