Ordo Rosarius Equilibrio & Spiritual Front
Satyriasis, Somewhere Between Equilibrium and Nihilism
8.6
Consider this one a collection of hymnals for the celebration of decay and the swell of ecstasy that comes just before Armageddon. I am not sure if hype is a term that can apply to such a small niche of the musical universe but given that these are the only two acts I ever hear mentioned by those not in the know, then I think it is safe to say that an album split between these artists is a big deal. Doom-saying folk stalwarts, Ordo Rosarius Equilibrio share half an album here with equally stoic practitioners of earthy neofolk, Spiritual Front. Cold Meat Industry facilitates, yet again, a fantastic package of music that can be appreciated by the metal fan while having only grim ideology in common with our favored form of abrasive music.
Satyriasis is easily the most enjoyable 35 minutes of dark music I have ever come across. In brief the album is comprised of three tracks by each artist individually with collaborations at the beginning and end of the disc, common themes include sexual depravity and nihilism; yes, I think that about sums it up.
The album opens in martial fashion with blaring trumpets and a militant looping guitar piece. With a bit of jazz in the vocal delivery and maybe even a nod to the saunter of a past musical age “Your Sex is the Scar” is the stronger of the two collaborative pieces on this release. The light hearted nature of the first track is quickly strangled by a Spiritual Front composition that uses accordion and clanging bells in ¾ waltz time with deadpan vocal delivery that a friend pointed out sounds a lot like Nick Cave. At this point thematic elements are fairly well established as Ordo Rosarius Equilibrio continue the pace with their solo track “Hell is Where the Heart Is.” The track plays out in penitent reverence observed by minimalist acoustic guitars, chimes, and hushed vocals. The album rolls on in equally impressive fashion until ending on its only sour note. The closer “Pleasure of Pain” is a very experimental piece blending trip hop and repetitious vocal samples extolling the dangers of sadism. Bizarre, un-folk-like, and in general an unsatisfying end to such a strong series of tracks.
As a listener one would never know without outside information that the recordings featured here are separated by two years in the studio. This seamless 8 track collaboration is flawlessly recorded and sidesteps many of the mastering issues this type of release usually brings to the table. The alternating of tracks between artists end-capped with collaborations is an excellent introduction to this style of music for the uninitiated and a treat for fans like me. Baring Satyriasis’ one misstep at the end this is a fantastic offering. Call it industrial noise, ambient, neofolk, whatever; do give it a chance.
