Damnatio Aeterna
Deathless Legacy
•
February 19, 2025

From Bandcamp, “Combining heavy symphonic sounds, a certain taste for big melodic hooks, and the seducing raspy vocals of mistress Steva, the band carved out their own peculiar niche – no one sounds like them, no one is currently doing the horror metal thing better than them! “Damnatio Aeterna” tells the thrilling story of the lesser demon Malchrum, who is challenged by Lucifer to ensnare a priest in an unspeakable sin, thereby ensuring his eternal damnation. A dark and provocative journey faithful to the band's signature style and filled with an atmosphere of mystery that grows progressively tense as the story unfolds, the seventh studio album will finally delve into sophisticated themes and explore the true nature of evil.”
The album has eleven songs, and the title track is first. The chanted opening vocals combined with the dark and powerful riff create quite the opening statement…this music will be frightening. Vocalist Steva has a unique voice, with control, and a slight rasp. “Get on Your Knees” moves with a sultry swing of meaty bass notes, dissonant piano, and a great vocal performance. The chorus is catchy as well, and it sticks in your head so that you can sing along. “Communion” begins with haunting organ notes that segue into another powerful and dominating sound, with melodies in tow. The transition to a more positive chorus is done with care, as it the transition back.
“Oblivion” also has somber piano notes in the entrance as it segues into a fast picked song with drum beat blasts. It has that dark, Gothic edge to it, but the melodies are sweet and that keyboard solo is bossy. “Sanctified” has very pensive edges that are smooth, and calming, and this shows a totally different side of the band…a side that takes great pride in songwriting. The power is still there, but they let the melody ride out for what seems like ages. “Mother of God” has both passion and melody as well as a catchy sound. Much of that passion is in the held vocals notes and melody in the chorus.
“Nightshade” definitely hears the tension increase as the story is coming to a close. It’s another melody and catchy song with a distinct flair of darkness. The piano notes are the perfect accompaniment to the song. “Gehenna” closes the tale and the dark tones turns black. Tension is at an all-time high as well, and it has a dramatic quality. Overall, this album was very well put together, from the story to the music. They have an amazing vocalist, a catchy sense of songwriting, and a flair for drama that is not overdone.
9 / 10
Almost Perfect
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production

"Damnatio Aeterna" Track-listing:
1. Damnatio Aeterna
2. Miserere
3. Get on Your Knees
4. Communion
5. Indulgentia Plenaria
6. Oblivion
7. Spiritus Sanctus Diabolicus
8. Sanctified
9. Mother of God
10. Nightshade
11. Gehenna
Deathless Legacy Lineup:
Steva (Eleonora Vaiana)
Frater Orion (Andrea Falaschi)
Alessio Lucatti
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