Mors Principium Est - Darkness Invisible (2025)

There is normal Melodic Death Metal, and then there is Finnish Melodic Death Metal, while being the same genre, there is just a certain signature style to the latter. Mors Principium Est is one of the most underrated Finnish Melodic Death Metal bands from the scene, having been putting out excellent releases since 2000, this band seems to fall under the radar to some of its most popular counterparts like Insomnium, Omnium Gatherum, and early Amorphis. With “Darkness Invisible”, the band throws in some additional orchestral arrangements around their very cohesive and precise sound.

Opening with the high-octane “Of Death”, we are treated to a blistering pace filled with dramatic arrangements and intricate guitar melodies and leads. Ville Viljanen continued the band’s legacy by bringing back some of its original members Jarkko Kokko and Jori Haukio for the previous release of re-recording of old songs., but it is not until this studio album that we can hear the band’s original ferocity and technically, paired with some extra maturity and musical proficiency gained over the years, as songs like "Venerator", “Monuments” and “Beyond the Horizon” showcase.

There is definitely no lack of ideas and masterful execution, as brilliant songs like “The Rivers of Avernus” and “In Sleep There is Peace”, both having a certain mix of old-school vibes with modern day elements and clarity. Our favorite track has to be the cinematic “All Life is Evil”, and its very powerful use of orchestral and choir arrangements to create a very powerful atmospheric component. Somewhat similar to outfits like Fleshgod Apocalypse, but with some insane guitar leads and more subtle tempo changes.

Overall, “Darkness Invisible” is a great return to form from the band. We all knew they still had their technical chops by listening to “Liberate the Unborn Inhumanity”, but it is a whole other level being crafting a masterful brand-new studio release like this one. We are glad that Mors Principium Est is back in full force, and we hope to see them live in North America at some point.

Label: Perception / Reigning Phoenix Music

Release: September 26th, 2025

Genre: Melodic Death Metal

Country: Finland