From time to time, Metal fans (and writers) can have their conceptions about any Metal genre that the reader can think off as already tried. It's usual to hear albums that blow previous ideas to pieces, and it's an excellent experience. And it's even better when dealing with an old Metal genre, as Old School Black Metal. And the North American duet DEVENEROR can surprise the fans with "Malleus Philosophorum".

Their musical ways are based on a form of Old School Black Metal that existed in a tiny moment of time, maybe between 1993 and 1995, when was usual to mix the old format designed by MAYHEM, BURZUM and DARKTHRONE in their early releases with charming darkened melodies that was usual to hear on old SATYRICON's releases as "Dark Medieval Times" and "The Shadowthrone", and EMPEROR on "In the Nightside Eclipse" (due the intelligent use of keyboards). But the way they create their songs is not usual for North American Black metal School, and it's personal, although the band have potential to create great musical stuff. But they're on the right path.

The band used an Old School Black Metal format to shape the songs of "Malleus Philosophorum", as the band did the production and mastering of it. And the mastering done by the experienced producer Jamie King gave a 'boost' in the songs. It's raw and have that same putrid feeling of the past, but in a way that is understandable for the listeners. On their songs pulses the classic energy of the genre, but their amazing darkened appeal can be felt on songs as "Amor Fati" (excellent melodies with great guitar riffs and keyboards), the morbid ambience of "Hope Against Hope" (where haunting shrieks cuts deep into the ears), the crushing tempos of "Towards Sulphur Sepulchres" and "Death's Evangelist" are the best ones for a first visit on their work.

Well, for now, DEVENEROR is a great name for the future, but listening to "Malleus Philosophorum" can be a great pleasure for all Black Metal maniacs.