Not much is known about the band Inritvm, they released a demo in 2023 called Ex nocte ad nihilum (roughly translated to: from night to nothingness). The 3rd of October marks the day for their debut album Ex nihilo ad nihilum (from nothing to nothingness). It fits the lyrical themes of the band namely: nihilism, the void, emptiness, decay and the philosophical idea that existence is ultimately meaningless. Do not be mistaken because it’s a debut album, the collective behind Inritvm has been active since the 90’s, they are no strangers to creating music.
Formed in 2022 in Paris, this band (or rather collective of musicians) saw birth by Syht (from Haemoth) and Akhaeus (from Bael). They have laid the foundations that are deeply rooted in a claimed and embraced heritage. This foundation has led to contributions from Yhrm (from Deviant), Hth (Haemoth), MkM (Antaeus), Aguares (Baal) and Ablass (6666). Not many can be found on which role each member fulfills, it seems a true collective effort producing this album.
What first came to mind after listening was the memory of a not well known album, but one I hold in very high regards. Spektr with their 2013 album Cypher, an unique soundscape that still haunts my mind to this day. After a little digging I found out that member HtH performed on this album, so my correlation was correct!
All is vanity: all that exists is doomed to fade into naught
After a little more than 90 seconds the music finally starts. I get the feeling they want to get across with the intro of the first track The principles of Forfeiture, but it is a bit too long for my liking. That being said; when the music does start, it really does it well. Rancid raw guitar tones that pierce the eardrums. Vocals are sounding like they were made raw, still great quality but sounding lightly distorted and distant, yet hearable in the mix. It suits this type of metal well. The drums are clear and form a great backbone for the music, the only thing I personally miss is the more audible bass. But be not mistaken, that is my preference, the mix is exceptionally good for this type of music!
The music finds a good balance between dragging you into the void and when to hold you steady. Just long enough to catch your breath after which they continue dragging you down to nothingness. The slower parts help to that goal, but what I find exceptionally well done is the tension in the music, it reminds me a lot of Ahklys, that even in slower parts (and slower as in feeling slower, the BPMs are with a few parts besides very high) they keep you on the edge of your seat.
This is a great debut, and the only downside I can name is the overused breaks in front and after many tracks. I understand they want to build an atmosphere but I am not very fond of having multiple 1.5-2.5 minutes of ambient noises. If that fits your liking, do not skip this release! If it does not fit your liking, do not skip this release (but skip the ambients)!
This is an album that needs to be heard front till back to really encapture the feeling of dread. The quality is great and the musicians are very skillful. It will be released on the 3rd of October through Norma Evangelium Diaboli and digitally via Bandcamp.
85/100
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