Limbus Animae
In Aevum Agere
•
December 22, 2014

Limited to only 300 copies, all of which are in vinyl format, "Limbus Animae" is an odd way to release an EP since the whole point of one is normally to broadcast a bitesized sample of your music to a wide audience. In this case, it seems more like a way to give 300 people the chance to feel like VIP fans, although to be fair to them the EP they'll own in such an exclusive form is sure to make a good number of people jealous, myself included.
If there's one thing that represents IN AEVUM AGERE's style, it's their ability to anchor the tempo of an entire track with a slow drumbeat while simultaneously going as crazy as they like with the guitars. It's difficult to think of them as a Doom Metal band, as the vocals are very melodic and clear and bring the style of the legendary RONNIE JAMES DIO to mind. The band chooses to write and record in English despite their Italian origins, and they sound remarkably comfortable in the language to the extent where I had to check their nationality. The use of vocal effects such as harmonies and echoes also add to the experience, as they are not overdone or used as a gimmick.
They are so good in fact that I was disappointed at how they were mixed so quietly under the guitars, which are also very impressive, if a bit loud. All four tracks include an impressive solo somewhere, which is always welcome in any Rock or Metal song, as well as a number of satisfactorily heavy riffs with more attitude than you can shake a drumstick at.
Speaking of which, the drums are perhaps the thing which are most important in the EP as although they are relatively simple, they are also played at a tempo which allows the guitars to maintain maximum control, and that grounds the songs in a place where they don't lose their impact, or shoot off into the distance when you're not looking. They maintain authority throughout the EP, and since the listener is constantly aware of their presence it means that whenever they do shift tempo or timing, it is that much more noticeable and effective.
"Limbus Animae" is a wonderful release that surprises in its refusal to conform to the normal stereotypes of the Doom genre. Its impressive guitars and beautiful vocals make it accessible to fans of almost any subgenre of Metal, and it is certainly worth a listen- if you can get your hands on it.
9 / 10
Almost Perfect

"Limbus Animae" Track-listing:
1. Awaiting
2. Damnatio Memoriae
3. Anti-Inferno, Limbus Animae
4. Solitude
In Aevum Agere Lineup:
Bruno Masulli - Guitars/Vocals
Marcello D'Anna - Guitars
Piero Gambino - Bass
Fabio Parisi - Drums
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