Maleventum is the fourth full-length album of the Italian OPERA IX. Their music could be defined as pagan, ceremonial, black metal but also an extolment to the Celtic gods of nature.

Each song is performed impeccably and the sounding is of exquisite quality, something probably credited to the renowned Italian Damage Inc. digital studio.

Ossian pays his tribute to the ancient Celtic Gods for once more with his extremely aggressive and haunting guitar riffs, while newcomer Madras uses his unholy chants with skill, and seems to be a dexterous surrogate of his predecessor (Cadaveria). Also newly recruited Taranis gives the tempo for the mystical rite, with his speedy, shattering drumbeats. To close this mystical, ritualistic circle of fire comes Vlad, with his impaling, sturdy bass and Lunaris with his bewitching keys of death.

Each track is a ceremonial ode overflowing with dark, as well as epic emotions. The lyrics refer to forgotten traditions and antique legends, praising the once powerful Gods of the ancient years.

Those who cherished The black opera... will certainly relish this album. For those that have reservations I just say this: If you like true dark, occult metal with themes that derive from epic legends then you should purchase this album. If not, then you should seek for something else.