Not being a huge fan of the "Black Metal" genre, I was skeptical going into this review that I would actually enjoy this album. I was pleasantly proven wrong. MORD'A'STIGMATA have got a winner with their new album, "Our Hearts Slow Down"; a 3-song medley chock full of deep grooves and heavy hitting interludes. Formed in 2004, MORD'A'STIGMATA break the mold of what Black Metal is "supposed" to be. When I hear the term "Black Metal", I conjure images the likes of VENOM, DIMMU BORGIR, and CRADLE OF FILTH, and while the undertones might be there, this band is in a category all by itself. I typically do not like to name genres when describing my ideal music, and MORD'A'STIGMATA is a perfect example as to why; not everything and everyone fits into a perfect little cookie cutter mold that they are supposed to be within their respective genres.

The album, "Our Hearts Slow Down", may be a little short, chiming it at just over 30 minutes and 3 tracks in length, but it still brings plenty to the table, in terms of music, that is easy to get sucked into. The 3-song CD starts out with the track, "The Mantra of Anguish", a 12-minute assault on the senses, with its slow, melodic, yet still heavy hitting groove, accompanied by deep, guttural vocals. The second track, "Those Above", also coming in at just over 12 minutes long, starts out a bit heavier and thrashier, eventually returning to what seems to be the bands trademark style of melodic, but still heavy. The albums titles track, "Our Hearts Slow Down", is a beautifully done instrumental that displays the tightness the group has with one another. No one instrument shines above the other, but they all join together in a beautifully heavy harmony that you cannot help but nod your head to.

The album, released September 25 by Pagan Records, is available on the bands website for purchase.<