From Bandcamp, “Prepare to descend into the abyss with HRZIG’s latest opus "Damnatio Memoriae," their fifth and most accomplished release to date. An unrelenting journey through the realms of misanthropic Black/Death Metal, where extremity meets melody in a sinister dance of sonic malevolence. Not straying at all from their classic sound rooted in the 1990’s Black/Death Metal masters, with "Damnatio Memoriae" this Spanish Black Death Metal entity has crafted an album that stands as a testament to the raw, unbridled power of the genre, intertwining aggression with haunting melodic passages.”

“Pilgrim God” is the first song. Out of the gates, it is absolutely chaotic, with a droning heavy riff and plenty of low end weight. It does eventually settle into a groove of fast moving drums and harsh vocals. “Once Fallen” is a lengthy nine minute song where you can hear the bass guitar notes, and the slower pace allows the torture to sink in more. It shifts a few times throughout, keeping the listener on their toes, although the song does drag on a bit. “When the Moon No Longer Shine” is the second song with a chaotic pace and unrelenting sound. Although much of the album so far is harrowing, it is also repetitive.

“Upon your Ashes” has a similar pace and sound, and the album is beginning to blend together too much. There is a nice little melodic passage wedged in there, but the much of the sound is thick and overgrown. “Capitulation of the Sun” is the point in the album where the dagger sinks firmly, and you realize this sound is what you are going to get. “Rebirth from the Abyss of Hate” begins with a firm dose of feedback that leads to another blistering pace, accented heavily by the drums. Unfortunately, it falls back into that familiar trap once more however. “The Lonely Raven” closes the album, and it’s the first offering with some diversity in a bass guitar led song and wide open doses of melody, but it’s too little too late, as it reverts back to the familiar sound.

Although much of the sound is thick and harrowing, it is also too repetitive, which is my number one complaint on albums. The band isn’t without talent, but they have to offer more diversity in their music.