Genre: Black Metal
VACUA, a Black Metal band formed in Rome in 2023, returns to the scene following their self-titled EP with their first full-length album, "Mater." Produced by Hidden Marly Production and distributed by Zero Dimensional Records, the album is a concept album sung in Italian that explores the fracture between humanity and nature, personified by the figure of the Janara, a symbol of the Benevento tradition that guides humanity toward inevitable self-destruction. This is raw Black Metal, but played with precision. Raw Black Metal bands often produce works with intentionally imperfect execution; VACUA, on the other hand, deliver a solid technical performance despite maintaining a raw, lo-fi sound.
The first track, "Falce dei Reietti," features a simple structure, alternating fast sections with cathartic slowdowns. Furor Ferox's Italian vocals are well-structured, although the ending, slowing down excessively, feels repetitive at times. The album immediately recovers with the follow-up "Dies Funeris Terrae," a burst of energy characterized by melodic yet aggressive riffs and raucous, saturated vocals. Here, the band masterfully plays with rhythmic, obsessive tempos. In contrast, "Dissolto" struggles to take off: despite Aerifer's excellent work on drums, the guitar riffs lack variety.
The opening of "Agoraphobia" is very interesting, showcasing unique tempo changes and uncommon dissonant riffs, culminating in a slow, hypnotic finale. After a brief interlude, "Rantoli nel Buio" represents perhaps the compositional pinnacle: melody and aggression blend perfectly, enriched by exquisite monochords and guitar licks. The seventh track, "Trasmigrazione," surprises with a romantic opening between keyboards and arpeggios, veering into Depressive and Post-Black Metal territory, making VACUA seem like a different band. The album closes with "Aura Glaciale," a lively piece with almost cheerful tones, a nod to classic melodic metal.
"Mater" is a decidedly diverse album. This diversity of styles can be a plus for those seeking a never-ending listen, but it might turn off the most uncompromising Raw Black Metal purists. It remains a solid debut, nonetheless, capable of combining the genre's violence with a profound and original conceptual narrative.
S.A.M.A.
