Prometeus - Triumph of the Snake

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Extreme forms of Metal evolved during the first half of the 90’s: as the things became eroded due the use of the current models, more and more bands tried to expand limits and created new insights on music. Obviously, the rise of Old School models could be seen as an ‘opposition’ to the experimental approach used, but one thing can’t be denied: that evolution took its toll and things improved. And the Italian duet PROMETEUS is an heir of such experimentalisms, as shown on the band’s latest release, “Triumph of the Snake”.

What’s heard on the album is a form of Avant-garde Black/Death Metal with moments that can remind what BAL-SAGOTH created on some of the early works (due the orchestration created by the keyboards), so it can be said as a form of mixing melodies, extreme elements and experimental touches inherited from Progressive Rock. The band works on a brutal trench, so be prepared to many contrasts and technical improvements. The production worked on a crude and simple way, earning the band an aggressive and rough approach on the music. It’s not so hard to understand what they’re playing and expressing, but it could be better, because there are times when things are sounding too hardened and ‘mechanic’, and could be better defined as well.

With a lyrical approach using Nietzsche’s ideas on the lyrics (to contrast the nature and the Christian religious thoughts), the album isn’t simple to deal with for those that aren’t used to such musical form. But what’s heard on “The Labyrinth” (many Avant-garde and Progressive melodic elements contrasts with the harsh essence of the music, with good keyboards), “The Ancient God” (a deeper and melodic song with nasty contrasts, with vocals using a different tune of shrieks, and with a solid work on the drums), “The Oracle” (a more darkened and complex song on the arrangements, what means that the Progressive side of their work is in evidence), and “Triumph of the Snake” is really a good experience.

PROMETEUS really shows a good work on “Triumph of the Snake”, but it must temper their efforts with a better sonority on the band’s next release.

Songwriting: 8
Musicianship: 9
Memorability: 8
Production: 5