BLAX is a theatrical Goth Metal band out of Italy. Perhaps here ‘theatrical’ is a bit redundant. Aren’t all goth bands a bit theatrical? At any rate, BLAX formed in the year of our plague, 2020, as a one-man project. Since that time the lineup has grown to a quintet, with several changes along the way. On April 25, 2025, they released their sophomore album, Certesia, via WormHoleDeath Productions.

Certesia comprises ten tracks and spans 39 minutes. The songs explore varies facets of identity including concepts such as “Desideria,” a profound sense of grief or loss; “Philophobia,” the fear of giving or receiving love; plus, several tracks on the ever-popular topics of love as well as religion. It’s like a musical version of the DSM-5. There is even a bespoke term—“Rockaphilia”—which is either a nod to PANIC CELL’s 2004 debut EP of the same name or maybe just a made up word suggesting a deep fondness for rock music. I’m banking on the latter.

Musically, Certesia is very middle of the road. This is not extreme metal nor is it mainstream. The songwriting seems a bit forced, like the frame of the lyrics came first and then the music was wrapped around it. While the performance isn’t necessarily lacking—clearly these are talented musicians—the band seems to lack passion, at least in their studio work. This probably ties back to the strained compositions. I can’t say that any of the tracks truly stood out. Equally, none totally fell apart. Again, very middle of the road.

For a Goth band, BLAX is oddly non-melancholic. There is a schizoid apprehension about them, however, which primarily comes through the album cover depictions, costuming and make-up, and Blax’s vocals which hint at desperate frenetic. Again, not a bleak darkness but still unsettling.

You can also sense how well the music could come to life on stage, so while they may underdeliver in the studio, they may be more at home on the stage where their theatrical flair can shine. As it is, Certesia makes for an interesting listen that’s likely to appeal to Theatrical Metal fans more than Goth Metal.