LACASTA is an Italian band that plays a searing combination of Black Metal and Hardcore on their first full length album, " In Æternvm."  In 2015, they released an EP titled, "Encylia." Until now, I wasn't even aware any band had combined what seems to be two very different genres together.  Does it work?  Can the simple song structures of Hardcore work with the archaic leanings of Black Metal?  For the most part, yes.

The album begins with the title track, " In Æternvm," which also serves as an intro.  It consists of chants and light ambient noise.  It certainly sounds like a dark, creepy intro that would be at home in many Black Metal releases.  It flows rather nicely into the first proper track, "Faith." Right away, the song nails that classic blackened guitar tone.  If there is one thing the two genres have in common, it is speed and pacing.  Indeed, this track is fast, furious and doesn't contain any fluff.  I'm not a huge fan of the hardcore vocal style but Alessandro does it with passion and even sounds a bit depraved.  Of course, he includes the black metal shrieks often and I found them more than serviceable.

"Vultures," is perhaps the biggest showcase for the melding of the two styles-it captures the raw power of Black Metal with the fervent energy of Hardcore. It is one of the album's shortest tracks but it speaks volumes in terms of explaining not only how these two different music genres can work together but also presents an argument for why they should in the first place. Most of the tracks are shorter in length, true to the roots of Hardcore.  The couple of longer tracks, more akin to Black Metal obviously, work exceptionally well.  I wish the album had more songs that were fleshed out like "Taste of Power," and "Black Mold."

The latter plays out like a funeral dirge.  A slower temp really accents the riffs and also puts a focus on the powerful drums on display.  This one is just so damn dark and evil-just how the more traditional Black Metal is supposed to be. The former goes in another direction, focusing a bit more on urgent energy although it still nails that caustic, blackened sound.  The drums are especially potent but I can't discount the vocals, which come off as very depraved and on the edge of breaking down.  This track was a great way to end the album as well.

LACASTA's " In Æternvm" is an unique album that puts together sounds and ideas that I didn't think could ever work together in peace.  Colored me impressed and I look forward to what this band, and the subgenre, can do in the future.