“Hands of Orlac” is a 1920 novel by Maurice Renard, and a thrice-made movie—a 1924 silent (arguably the best of the lot), a 1935 American version (also called “Mad Love”), and a 1960 British version (with Christopher Lee). I can’t say that I remember seeing any of them, although since I am old as fuck remembering something and actually having done that something are two different matters. I do have a frightening amount of shit stored away in the darker recesses of my memory that only surfaces at 3:00 a.m. during elongated bouts of sleep paralysis. But to the point: HANDS OF ORLAC is also a Doom Metal band. They’re originally from Italy but have since relocated to Sweden. Regardless, they still carry a distinct Italian Doom Metal vibe—heavy Psych, analog—they sound like a Hammer Horror movie looks . . . but in Italian and a lot sexier.

“Hebetudo Mentis” is the third full-length from HANDS OF ORLAC (released September 18. 2023 via Terror from Hell Records). It features the ethereal clean vocals of The Sorceress, who also plays the flute and sometimes sings in Italian. Not that either is shocking, I mean WUCAN and BLOOD CEREMONY have been jamming with the flute for ages and there’s an army of Italian metal bands that perform in their first tongue—but The Sorceress doles it in moderation which maybe makes you crave it all the more.

The Templar (bass) and Axel Johansson (drums) make up a solid rhythm section for Manuele Bonanno (guitar) to dance and weave through.  And even though they have a stellar vocalist, the band has no problem with just getting out there and exploring all sorts of space for an inordinate amount of time. I thought several tracks were instrumental before The Sorceress snuck out of the inky shadows and carved out my soul.

Standout tracks are “Il velo insanguinato” (trans: the bloody veil), equal parts haunting and sultry; “Malenka”—which I am guessing is about the 1969 Spanish movie, “Malenka: The Vampire’s Niece.” This track wanders past the nine-minute mark but every second of it is simply gorgeous. I also really dug “Frostbite” with its multiple movements, flute solo, and, of course, The Sorceress chiming in from the far side of the cellar. The closing track, “Ex Officio Domini (The Executioner of Rome)” is also a monumental track both for its quarter of an hour run time as well as its execution (no pun intended). 

I’m never surprised to discover great Metal from Italy and even though HANDS OF ORLAC is now based in Sweden, they are clearly an Italian Doom Metal outfit. I’ll be spinning this album for a long time coming. Great album for the season!