MORD'A'STIGMATA is a Post Black/Avant-Garde Metal band formed in Poland in 2004. "Like Ants and Snakes" is the sixth full-length release, and contains six songs. "Blood of the Angels" is the first. The sound is smooth and easy, with ominous tones in the background. You have the feeling that this is all going to come undone soon. The somber mood grows with piano and thick bass guitar, and the vocals gain momentum as well. The song stays in the shadows for the most part, however.

"We Dance" is another smooth and mellow offering with some electronic elements. The vocals are very emotive here, and I am reminded of THE CURE at times. The sounds begins to expand a bit with the increased pace and drums. It is still very dark. The title track opens with the percussion keeping a steady rhythm. Bass thwacks away as the guitars venture out a bit. It's akin to poking your head outside for just a few moments after a zombie apocalypse. All seems clear now, but you never know what is out there. Tense moments build once again, something that this band is quite good at.

"I Am the Arm" opens with eerie background elements, leading to a sultry, almost sexy sound. The vocalist croons through the first few minutes, then laments with anger. The sound begins a crescendo towards the end where the anger comes to a head. "Constant Sway" creeps in our room while you are away, with steady bass notes and some mesmerizing rhythms. Although the vocals are gentle, there is still a harrowing quality to them in their simplicity. Those fat sax notes are also quite effective at this sound.

The lengthy "Voluntarily Gone" closes the album. Mellow, peaceful tones open the song, like morning dawns in small village, and the mist from the evening still covers a lot of what you can see. The song takes a dark turn, signifying that within the mist lies danger, but you cannot clearly see it. If it weren't for the hairs standing up on the back of your neck, you might just venture forth. Towards the end, the mist clears, and the evil retreats back into the shadows. Although the album is Avant-Garde in nature, it doesn't stop the songs from being catchy in an odd sort of way. The sound beckons you in, and beguiles you with its wares, in the way that a charismatic serial killer lures in his victims. The longer you listen, the more you become ensnared. Take a journey, if you dare.