https://zwaremetalen.com/albumrecensies/xenomorph-delusions-ov-morality
Films can be a source of inspiration for music or art, or vice versa. In some cases, this interaction is so close that it develops into a phenomenon that effortlessly stands the test of time. For example, Swiss surrealist artist HR Geiger (whom we all know from the album cover of Celtic Frost 's To Mega Therion ) used his unique artistic style to create the antagonist from the influential horror film Alien (1979) and all subsequent films in the franchise. . This antagonist is an alien, endoparasitic creature referred to as “Xenomorph”. The Alien films stood out not only for the artful design of their alien creature, the uncompromising, gruesome images and the hard action scenes, but also for their unprecedented atmosphere creation, both in images and in music. These Tech Noir (an artful mix of Film Noir and science fiction) films evoke a constant feeling of fear, threat, deception and hopelessness, which means they require some effort from the viewer. But that is precisely why they can now be regarded as milestones in film history.
Whether Xenomorph 's Delusions Ov Morality will also make it into the history books remains to be seen, although the band is doing everything it can to put itself on the map with its unusual approach. Because yes, in this case the saying Nomen est Omen really applies one hundred percent. This band from Cincinnati, America, has come up with the brilliant idea to connect the hopelessness inherent in the Alien films with the hopelessness of the American Rust Belt, of which Cincinnati is a part. This “Manufacturing Belt”, an area south of the Great Lakes, was once the epicenter of the American heavy metal and automotive industries of the first half of the twentieth century. However, in the middle of the same century, decline and exodus began (due to various economic causes), as a result of which the now abandoned Manufacturing Belt was given the new name “Rust Belt”: an area characterized by unemployment, vacancy and crime.
A perfect breeding ground for the blackest of metals. At least that is the opinion of Mr. , then called Xenomorph8472 , a fairly obvious reference to Species 8472, another terrifying species of aliens you might recognize from Star Trek: Voyager. It is not entirely clear to me to what extent appendix 8472 is currently still being used, but it is clear that Mr. “Nihilistic Rustbelt Black Metal”, that became the appropriate name for the music he made, but on the debut album Rüstwelt it still took some time to find its precise meaning. The promo mentions Darkspace as a source of inspiration and that can certainly be justified thematically, atmospherically and purely musically. Dominating, programmed (?) drum clatter, icy high screeching, razor-sharp, melancholic riffs and a good portion of chaos and madness, that pretty much sums up the first album. The music was also characterized by the frequent use of samples. Rüstwelt was a more than solid album that would make any lover of more turbulent and chaotic black metal happy, although the production was so dry and flat that it failed to find much depth. You hear Darkspace in it, but also Crimson Moon or old Emperor . So it wasn't entirely clear what direction Xenomorph would take with this new EP.
The structure is absolutely fantastic. All too often with black metal releases you hear a short run-in, after which the band wants to get out of the starting blocks as quickly as possible. Not here (not at Rüstwelt either, by the way). No, the intro includes a full-fledged track of more than three minutes, where deep drone synths form the background for the story of HR Geiger and his Alien. Just like on the debut album, samples are used, in this case original audio from an interview with the artist himself. Well, if you want to stay true to your subject, then this is definitely the way to go. It not only creates atmosphere (the synths evolve into an apocalyptic goosebumps theme that immediately catapults you back to the horror films of the eighties: wonderful!!), but also brings you as a listener closer to the subject of the music. The monumental synth sound, combined with the (unintentionally) nasty voice of HR Geiger, sucks you inexorably into the lightless depths of the endless cosmos, where bloodthirsty monsters await you. What a strong start, and we haven't heard a second of black metal yet...
After this introduction we immediately hear the title track. The now obligatory sample, from the first Alien film (here you can also hear where the album title was found...) is followed by raw, mid-tempo black metal, evolving around broad, brutal and clumsy tremolo riffs, tight, industrial drumming and icy vocals. The repetitive melody lines in the guitars and the full, deep sound make it a remarkably pleasant listen, although it lacks some excitement and is also a bit too anonymous for a title track if you ask me. It is in line with what other raw black bands bring, but compared to the work of their peers, Delusions Ov Morality is much more tangible, concrete and (despite the deliberately "rusty" production) it has a much more accessible sound.
“This little girl survived longer than that with no weapons and no training.” If you want to use a quote from Aliens, then it is indeed better to choose this classic. Non Arma, Nulla Militaris means about the same as that quote, but compared to the title track there is a lot more firepower here. And with exactly the same elements. Xenomorph has simply increased the tempo here, tightened up the sound a bit and started playing with the rhythm a bit more. And in good Alien tradition, everything is set ablaze this time. Non Arma? The flamethrowers, reflected in merciless screams, continuously spray death and destruction here...
The fourth song, To the Void (Agnus Dei) , takes us to Alien³ and is based on a number of quotes from the religiously inspired prisoner Leonard Dillon, which you hear throughout the song. A clear concept has been built up for this track, but I still have the feeling that there is not enough musically in return. I think the lonely-feeling lead and its structure at the beginning (underpinning with synths, progression with tremolo) are successful, as well as the way in which the second sample provides a seamless transition to a faster and fiercer part. Despite the clear theme (both in terms of content and in the repeated riffs used), I never get the feeling that the music tells as fascinating a story as the film. The song relies too much on the samples and not enough on the music. Too bad actually.
The chronology is also retained on Mère Des Monstres , because this time the sample at the beginning of the song indeed comes from Alien: Resurrection. This time Ellen Ripley herself is central. It is a pretty fundamental quote for the film and the series, but once again Xenomorph continues to stumble on the spot. The raw black metal itself is solid, the tremolo riffs come into their own and the sound is nicely balanced (voice, guitars and drums are all perfectly distinguishable, something that can be a problem in this genre). but it doesn't really get anywhere memorable.
Had Xenomorph chosen to end this EP after Non Arma, Nulla Militaris , I would certainly have been positive about what I heard. Not world class, but well composed raw black metal with a very nice concept. The last two songs, however, do not add much, although I understand that they were necessary because of the chronology of the films that is woven throughout Delusions Ov Morality . Unfortunately, we only hear the impact and fury that was characteristic of Rüstwelt only sparsely on this EP. Even the pumping bass drums have largely disappeared (and been replaced by a much softer version). There is too much playing it safe, especially in the second part of this release, and it comes across as a bit uninspired. All in all, Xenomorph doesn't get any further than “decent” here. Fans of raw black metal will certainly enjoy this, but they will also have to admit that there was more to it. I think the intro is completely brilliant. I advise anyone who wants to give Delusions Ov Morality a chance to limit themselves to the first three tracks. Success assured. zwaremetalen
Release Date: 4/7/2023
FFO: Leviathan, Darkspace, Katharsis
Location: Cincinnati OH
Short Bio: The Hated Dungeon Dwelling Nihilistic Black Metal Artist from Cincinnati, Ohio. The 3rd Nihilistic Rustbelt Black Metal Release, Delusions Ov Morality, is a journey beginning with the conception of HR Giger's Alien, and subsequent film quadrilogy interpretations of this concept. The name sake of this music project, Giger's Alien undergoes metamorphosis through the minds and imaginations of each soul, culminating in a truly formless, yet dangerous being that brings inner strength and power to those aligned with it. The tracks on this extended play explore the points of view of different characters in the original four films, connecting the timeless attraction of these cinematic experiences into the eternal individual's own specific realm of existence.
Check out the video!
All songs written and performed by Xenomorph.
Mastered by Mike Ogden
Art by Rotting Reign
Follow the band at these links:
https://xenomorphblackmetal.com/
https://www.instagram.com/xenomorph.usbm/
https://www.instagram.com/xenomorph8472/
https://www.facebook.com/xenomorph8472
https://xenomorph8472.bandcamp.com/music
https://xenomorph8472.bandcamp.com/merch
https://xenomorph8472.bandcamp.com/album/--2
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3woMqNSdDtq6gwomCacwv8
https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/25044/xenomorph-delusions-ov-morality-reviewed-by-zwaremetalen?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger
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