In Metal music, you sometimes have features that can differentiate your musical work from what has already been done; and those who don't really want to create anything new avoid these particular features. Of course there are some bands that are not trying to create anything new, or do something extremely particular and different. Yet the Serbian one man band TEMPLE OF GNOSIS is really trying something different from the usual on "De Secretis Naturae Alchymica".

From what we see and hear here, we can say that their work seems to possess elements of some kind of darkened mystical rites. Yes, like the work of Italian Progressive Rock band ANTONIUS REX (but with a Doom Metal musical orientation sometimes), their long songs are really trying to sound as a tenebrous and darkened as they can. But in all honesty, it's far too atmospheric; as some bands like AGHAST tried to be in many moments. The whole idea behind their conception is good, but it can sound a bit boring to those who want something with energy. You can hear guttural and funereal voices, some nasty and bitter guitar riffs, and some solid work from the bass guitar and drums - along with depressive arrangements from the keyboards.

The sound production is somewhat too raw; making their musical work a bit hard to understand. But it isn't as bad as my words may make it sound. There are many works with sound quality that makes us think about what the band wanted to achieve, and that's not the case with "De Secretis Naturae Alchymica".

To be truly honest, I must recommend this album for fans of those extreme Metal styles that have a more introspective and darkened insight; because the fans of these forms of music will love songs like the long and nasty "Serpentivm", with its atmospheric moments and distorted guitar riffs (on which some of the musical esthetics seem to be linked to Doom Metal bands); the ritualistic "Tree of Life" (extremely darkened, filled with a grave atmosphere, and some good arrangements of guitars and drums) and "Sol Katharsis" (this one is filled by somber keyboards arrangements). There are also the oppressive vocal work heard on "Discipvli H.Trismegistus", and the good and introspective musical arrangements of "The Twelve Keys". The band could have implemented more rhythmic changes; for their work is based on long songs and can become a bit boring if you're not interested in slow tempo songs.

TEMPLE OF GNOSIS is a good band, H.M.T. is talented and has some very good ideas, but he really needs to work a bit more on developing these ideas and the songs they turn into.<