For those not well versed in the Black Metal, THE NEGATION come across as heavily abrasive noise, a flurry of blast beats and gurgling vocals. Pick apart the many layers however and there is more than meets the eye.

Hailing from the French capital, THE NEGATION are a musical success story if there ever was one. 2013's debut "Paths of Obedience" was an exciting, if underdeveloped, release that saw the quintet raise some eyebrows amongst the metal elite.

"Memento Mori" at its core is an altogether darker album. Drawing inspiration from the ideas of nihilism it is a prime example of what Black Metal was created to be, a return to primal, animalistic noise. Yet in between the throat shredding cries, elements of more contemporary music can be found. The lead elements of "The True Enemy" and the Groove Metal esque verses on "A Prayer For Those I Will Have To Kill". This is indeed a refreshing take on the Black Metal landscape, one that does not relinquish the overall feel and atmosphere.

The pin point drumming patterns on tracks such as "Vision Of Doom" may lean a little too far towards the mechanical ideas of Technical Metal for a few elitists. But to others perhaps this is the most accessible element of "Memento Mori". Even if this album was never meant to be an easy listen.

Particular note should be made towards the lyrics and vocal style of A.S.A. As rough and inhuman they are, they never feel like they are one up the rest of the band. The vocalist knows when to retract into a quieter, more sedate style, and when to completely go for it. As for the lyrics themselves, they are beautifully dark and bleak. Really adding an extra element and meaning to each track. The ways that some vocals are layered creates this cocoon of sound alongside the instruments, this is what makes this album a well needed listen.