In the second half of the 90s, we all saw the arrival of a great number of Black Metal bands with a melodic insight, and the use of very good keyboards parts to create a somber atmosphere. In those days, we simply called that genre Melodic Black Metal. Today, many of them are in a more Death'n'Roll orientation (as SATYRICON), others are into an orchestral insight (DIMMU BORGIR is a fine example of this aspect), and the greater part disappeared. But there are some unknown names that you must know from this style, as the Dutch quintet MISANTHROPIA. They are coming with their third album, the excellent "Omerta".

They follow the same style that DIMMU BORGIR and OLD'S MAN CHILD did on their best moments on the 90s. But you must have in mind one thing: these guys have a strong and bold musical personality. Yes, because the band is not focusing their energies only on melodic parts with keyboards parts or on the aggressiveness of Black Metal, but on both aspects at the same time. There's the clear influence from the SWOBM bands on their musical work, so be prepared. It's truly excellent!

The sound quality is indeed very good. The work from Mike Wead (guitarist of MERCYFUL FATE and KING DIAMOND) and Simon Johansson (guitarist of BIBLEBLACK) on the mixing and mastering of "Omerta" really fits on what they need. I say that because the sound is rawer that the greater part of Melodic Black Metal bands likes to use, but it fits perfectly in their musical work. The cover is really very good, a fine artwork of Jan "Örkki" Yrlund (and this art with clean mention to mafia is portraits the true meaning of the word omerta, that is an honor code of silence and no cooperation with legal authorities).

"Omerta" is really a fine piece of aggressive and melodic musical art. For reference for the reader, "Omerta" with its excellent rhythmical changes and very good keyboards parts, the aggressive and brutal "230 Park Avenue", the excellent melodic lines on "Torture" (with some very good slow tempos, and great work from guitars), the very good contrast between aggressive parts and melodic keyboards shown on "Il Pasto Sanguinario" (very good guitar solos and excellent shrieked vocals), and the great work from bass guitar and drums of the atmospheric and bitter "A Membership of Violence and Bloodlust". By what I can see, the whole central concept of the album is mafia.

Then we can say that "Omerta" is really an amazing album, so let the capos of MISANTHROPIA seduce you with their musical work.