Affliction Vector – Contra Hominem (Arcane Black Metal of Much Spellcasting)

 

Dang I thought metal of this type only came out of Spain. I mean, I guess, somehow, Italy has some cultural links to Spain, but whatever, let me start simple. This shit’s mystical. There’s a particular form of metal from Spain that’s developed its sound in a way that oppresses without force and depresses with its lurking, magical riffing. Affliction Vector is just such a band, though from Italy, and one that demands flourishing verbiage to explain their designs. The kind of wording that conjures, the kind of wording that casts spells! For a first full-length, this is unearthed tomes of forgotten magic of the most foul!

   

I’ve seen some foolish pseudo-crit journos lacking the skill to understand this is not bestial, though it is a form of black metal. Affliction Vector work things differently, which is why I eschew genre tags, and especially names drops, though let me mention that comparing this to Teitanblood is foolish. Compare it to perhaps a feeling, perhaps a style, but don’t give me those tags. That’s laziness! Anyway, Contra Hominem is a huge package with a huge amount of space to cover in its fight against humanity. One thing that Affliction Vector does well is they know how to mix novel approaches to sound that end up being happy risks. Take the opening piano line, for example, which slowly builds into the harmony of the guitars/bass to a degree that it becomes a model for the rest of the song in your mind. Like a manta chanted to summon the dead, thus work the melodies deep into your consciousness. Touch it off with brooding art, and you’re ready to don a cloak and live in the dark.

 

Affliction Vector Gore Official Instagram

Written by Stanley, Devourer of Souls

Affliction Vector – Contra Hominem
Iron Bonehead Productions
Cover Art: Daniele Valeriani
4.4 / 5