Haeretici 7o74 - Haeretici, Schismatici, Excommunicati

Haeretici 7o74 is a relatively new and obscure project, combining the creative minds of Ovro and the legendary Niko Skorpio. With "Haeretici, Schismatici, Excommunicati", we are treated to a package that is as rewarding in artwork and imagery as anything else released this year. Haeretici 7o74's main focus is actually performing live, bringing their unique ritual tones, and sometimes "death ambient" to the audience.

This three track opus begins with "Bython Et Silentium", a quiet trance inducing number, which picks up significantly to introduce some hideously powerful bass, before quietening down again. Ritual Electronics at their best.

"Nam Serpentum Magnificant" is a ten minute piece, much higher in pitch than the previous track, and very drone-orientated. The intro to the track is followed by some ingenious synth loops, before going back to droning. This is devoid of much activity, but the general feel is that of distress and paranoia. Approaching the end of the track, it takes a dive towards power electronics once again, and we are exposed to something that sounds like Hypnoskull playing underwater, miles below you.

"Huius Perversitatis Doctrina" is genius. I've never heard anything like this. Foreign ritual vocals, sick noises and pounding drums. Close your eyes, It's like being carried across hot coals while being poked with spears by a dozen masked natives.

The real beauty with this release, is that it's presented Live. As a stand-alone dark ambient release it's successful anyway, but as a Live perfomance, this is on another plane of existence. Unnerving, unrelentless, and ingenious.

Finland is proving once again that it is capable of delivering the goods over and over again. Reccomended. Aug 10 2006