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Demo, self released

2009

Black Metal

6,5/10 Hailing from Abruzzo (Italy), Hibernus formed in 2007, and, as stated in their biography, this demo entitled Nostra Terribilis Hiems is their third work to date. Being a fairly young band, Hibernus have a couple of flaws to improve, and that’s plain to hear. But, thankfully enough, their sound also shows some excellent potential: quite admirable is the way they successfully manage to invoke a certain nocturnal and ancestral feeling, typical of Nordic pioneers of black metal, emphasized by the ‘live’ recording that gives the music a earthy and raw, underground tone, always pleasing to hear in this era of glossy productions. Also very interesting are Tasartyr’s vitriolic shrieks, as well as the freezing, wintery melodies in the riffs (the overall mood reminds a lot of Norway’s own Strid), as well as the attempt to confer an adventurous and eventful connotation to the five tracks comprised in this release. However, what could have been a major point in Hibernus’ favour, ends up being their biggest fault instead, as the songwriting of these songs, albeit possessing some great intuitions in the melodic department, renders itself somewhat muddled, and the songs seem to eventually lose their own identity, giving the impression of a band sometimes struggling for ideas. This demo would have benefited of more compactness, but it’s nothing that can’t be fixed during the demo stage. Let’s therefore give Hibernus some more time to grow up and we’ll see what they will be able to do.

HÆTHEN – Wanderer

Demo, 2009

Self – released

Black Metal

7,5/10

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