NEFASTORETH is a Black Metal band based out of Italy. Formed in 2002, the band had previously released a Demo in 2004 and their first full-length in 2007. This new album, "Imperium Serpentis Evangelii," contains seven tracks. "The Sacred Exile" starts off innocent enough, with Latin chanting and the echo of a church setting, but you know this is a precursor to something wicked to come. In little time, the Black Metal sound hits you. It is a pretty traditional sound, with the main riff consisting of a two chord melody done in a minor key, alternating with a secondary riff that is a bit slower and more punctual. The vocals are both mid and high range screeches that are typically unintelligible.

"Dispersing Their Ashes" is a bit of a shorter song from the opener, with a riff based on the low key of E and some more bottom end bombast. I like the evil piano opening to "Martyr." I picture a rotting skeleton playing the keys in a vacant chapel long since forgotten. The background ambiance adds to the setting. Other than that, the song is pretty aggressive and in your face. "Doctrine III" is a pretty sinister sounding song with a fast paced fury of heavily picked riffs and some blast beat drumming. The evil is dialed up a notch after the interlude around the half way mark that sees the song to completion. The title track, "Imperium Serpentis Evangelii," is a ten minute song with plenty of hushed build-up. The anticipation it creates is what makes it so enjoyable. For the most part the main riff is slower, plodding along like an army of the undead marching through a marsh.

Another quiet interlude sets up the intensity of the ending. Closing the album is the instrumental "Invocation 333." It has a slow build and loose some background chanting that is done in a monotone voice making the track cold, sterile and demonic. Overall, I find this to be very traditional Black Metal done with all the customs and genre boundaries that exist. They are not looking to re-invent the wheel as much as they are interested in writing for an audience. I find their approach both honest and forthright.