Mord’A’Stigmata – Hope (2017)

Finally returning with a thought-provoking full-length release, today we have Poland’s Mord’A’Stigmata and their latest offering “Hope”. Continuing their musical evolution, this release delivers over 40 minutes of hard to define music filled heavy Post-Black Metal overtones. If you are a fan of bands like Harakiri for the Sky, Anomalie, and even Moonspell, this release will certainly appeal to you.

Opening with the 12-minute title-track, the band leads with expertly layered guitars and a very enigmatic pace. The mixture of clean and harsh vocals reminds us a bit of Moonspell. However, the intricate guitar work is what truly makes this track quite unique and engaging. The band continues their musical experiments with the faster paced “The Tomb from Fear and Doubt”. This song we are treated to faster drums alongside hypnotic instrumental interludes.

“To Keep the Blood” is our favorite track in this release thanks to its intoxicating percussions and convoluted progression. Being fans of the band’s earlier material, you can hear their more chaotic and Avant-garde influences in this piece more than in other songs in this release.  The album closes with the melodramatic riffing of “In Less Than No Time”, a highly emotional track that perfectly captures the band’s sharper style that mixes in more Post-Black Metal influences than before.

Overall, “Hope” is a brilliant release that showcases the slow evolution of Mord’A’Stigmata. The band has arrived into Post-Black Metal territory and delivers a brilliant 44 minute statement about it. If you like complexly layered guitars, a heavy bass guitar line, dramatic vocals and tight drumming, this is one release you do not want to miss.

Label: Pagan Records

Release: February 17th, 2017

Genre: Post-Black Metal / Avant-garde

Country: Poland