IX Sorcerers

Malediction is a three member band from France which was formed in 2004. While the band is together for about seven years, just last year (2011) they released their material in a full length, lasting forty minutes. “IX Sorcerers” contains six compositions of fast, Scandinavian Black Metal, mostly influenced by the Swedish sound, with rhythmic, mid tempo passages and some slow parts.

The very interesting riffing is this that makes the compositions to differ. Malediction have “knit” the riffs together with bridges and passages, that although the tracks are big concerning the duration (5-8 minutes each), they are very interesting and maintain the listener’s attention throughout the albums duration. The riffs are typical long, Scandinavian, dark and threatening at the same time. The guitars and drums are well played, without mistakes, delivering their lines very well. On the contrary, the bass, maybe because of the mix, can’t be heard clearly. The vocals are typical, harsh Black Metal vocals that we have heard many times, good but nothing special. The production is bassy but quite clean and fits to the compositions’ style. The mix isn’t bad as it delivers a massive sound but the bass’ volume is quite low, so it can’t be heard well. The lyrics are written in English but they aren’t contained in the cd. By the tracks’ titles I think that they deal with Satanism and Occultism.

Apart from the bass’ sound which doesn’t really affect the quality of the compositions, the album is a very good effort. Maybe Malediction waited for seven years until they release their material, but they did a very good job. So, I liked “IX Sorcerers” much and I suggest you to buy it. Also I should mention that it is released as a limited edition (500).