Hammerfilosofi is a black metal band, whose members hail from both Norway and Italy. The duo formed in 2020 and made their debut last year with their full-length “The Desolate One.” A year later and they are back with another powerful statement in the form of the ep “Solus (Igne Natura Renovator Integra)”.
Consisting of four songs and a runtime of 25 minutes, there is quite a bit of content to explore here. Each song is multi-layered, requiring multiple listens to absorb every nightmarish detail. Fortunately, these sprawling songs are held together by exemplary songwriting so replaying this frightening beast over and over again isn’t a problem.
According to the press release I received, the band wants to “musically and conceptually bring back some of that rebellious pride, wrath, and danger that for us are mandatory ingredients in black metal.”
The band definitely accomplishes this. The music on this album shrouds itself in the element of danger, both in an atmospheric approach and much more directly. Even in the best of today's black metal, I don't often get that. Sure, it all tends to be aggressive and against the grain but it lacks danger and the air of nervous energy that “Solus” certainly has in spades.
With that being said, these four songs offer even more dimensions. It's theatrical to a degree and somewhat cinematic. Those words tend to be used for more epic, progressive and melodic type bands but it fits here in a way that can't apply to those genres.
The sequence and flow of these songs seem as chapters in a larger story. In essence, the band has crafted it to perfection, allowing each song to stand on its own and differentiate from the others while also being part of a larger whole. It's impressive.
The album begins with the haunting clean tones of “Hunt or Be Hunted.” It sounds dismal and even a bit sad….it has a “do or die feel to it,” the last gasping act of desperation put to audio.
As the song transitions from keys/synths to electric fury, the band keeps a tight grip on its unique atmosphere.
The pained moans and groans are a nice touch, a perfect lead In to the actual vocals, which sound like a damned soul at the end of his rope.
As the riffs build up in layers, the drums keep it very abrasive with preternatural speed. The bass is deep and expansive, a void unto itself that helps spread the darkness even as it devours.
After a few seconds noise, a primal roar erupts on “Alpha Ego” that sends the band spiraling into madness.
This song is a descent straight into bell, a push into the flames by the insane drums. The guitars/bass are unsettling and unrelenting as they alternate between blackened fury, defeaning crunch, and dismal melodies that blanket the notes with tragic burdens.
At the mid section, the band pushes themselves hard, breaking through dimensions and out the other side. This new side embraces a horrific power that mixes atmospheric with the profane.
“Holy Fire,” acts as both a song and interlude of sorts but it bridges the albums ending stretch to the albums final. It's spoken word, some sort of audio clip. The music is suffocating and yet searing.
“Epigone of Tragedy” is the final, and best, song on the EP. The opening moments are unnerving and nearing insanity's requim, what with the screams and wails.
The music is towering, as if an attack unseen from above is raining down, an unrelenting storm of riffs, drums and vicious but commanding vocals.
The last couple minutes seem to take on a life of their own, pulling together and growing into a ferocious entity.
Hammerfilosofi's “Solus (Igne Natura Renovator Integra)” is a stunning EP that creates a nightmarish world of endless, menancing possibilities.
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