By John Bedard

Artwork for Amor Venenat by LucynineThis one is a bit out of left field. It took me a little while to figure out what to make of what I was hearing. There is such a wide range of styles that all come into play throughout the album. You never feel totally grounded in what you are experiencing but I mean that in a good way. Every layer adds depth and texture. While still feeling connected through the experience each track also feels very unique from one another. Kind of like when you are watching a TV show with very set characters but each episode is a self-contained story. I get that kind of impression. Every track is in the same family but takes on its own style distinct from the rest. It makes for a really cool experience.

The musical style is where I am getting that really deep uniqueness for every track. By track four there have been elements from black metal, punk, ambient, grunge, a little 80s electronic, and many more. Every track holds surprises. Each one evolving the experience and even within each track, there are these drastic swings that really really change what you are hearing. It builds this unease that feels very intentional and well done. You will get a track that feels put together and almost happy then it devolves into madness like a trip into wonderland.

Vocally, it is much of the same story. Things kinda devolve as things go on. You will at times have this dark and soft-spoken word then things will change to a heavily distorted tone like what you would expect from black metal then over to a more traditional heavy metal tone among other variations. Sergio Bertani shows incredible range here and insane talent. It is very hard to believe that this is a one-man-band. Before I heard that I expected a full five-man line-up with at least two singers – but I was wrong. Just one crazy talented man.

This album is unlike anything I have experienced. This is a must-listen. You don’t want to miss this one. There is this wonderful depth and evolution throughout the whole thing and the delivery feels so completely genuine. I can’t think of a single thing I would improve. This is a masterpiece. It is an experience worth living. Go pick it up. You won’t regret it.

  • ‘Amor Venenat’ is out now. You can get your copy HERE.

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