Hesperia
Metallum Italicum
Sleaszy Rider Records
2015
Hesperia are a very weird project. They can best described as ritualistic music, with a somewhat nationalistic approach when it comes to the ideals and pride related lyrics. The musician behind this effort is a member of the ill-fated black metal band Sulphuria – he was formally known as Rites Tenebrarum and performed with bass and vocals – and when the band dispersed, he founded Hesperia. This project has existed since 1997 and this is the fifth part in their ongoing, effort to bring to music the epic poem “Aeneid” that Virgil wrote in ancient times. (Which chronicles the post Trojan adventures of Aeneas, a survivor of the Trojan War, who afterwards traveled to Italy and became the ancestor to Romans). While the previous parts seemed to have been more geared towards black metal forms, this album maintains only the ritualistic sound and very few extreme facets. The drum machine and poor musicianship make it comparable with maybe Necromantia and Pazuzu, only simpler than the former, although the musical ability is comparable and possibly surpasses that of the Magufis Wampuris Diavolos (nearly nonexistent).
Musically, this work is based on very trite and simple forms, that try to masquerade themselves as “inspired” by “ancient” music, when in reality, this is mostly a mismatch of half chants, narrations and mostly bad singing backing some very basic hard/metal. (There’s an average tenor guesting on track 6, who’s not even probably utilizing the range and some very bad – pseudo classical female vocals on track number 8). Sung exclusively in Italian “Mettalvm Italicvm” the forth and thankfully final part of this “tribute”, it’s especially tiresome. I’m sure Virgil is rolling in his grave, while I am rolling on the floor, laughing while I see, the funky poses of “Hesperus”… at least his whole persona and costumes is less embarrassing than that of “Morbid” hahaha. But still… thanks for a good laugh.
Musically, this work is based on very trite and simple forms, that try to masquerade themselves as “inspired” by “ancient” music, when in reality, this is mostly a mismatch of half chants, narrations and mostly bad singing backing some very basic hard/metal. (There’s an average tenor guesting on track 6, who’s not even probably utilizing the range and some very bad – pseudo classical female vocals on track number 8). Sung exclusively in Italian “Mettalvm Italicvm” the forth and thankfully final part of this “tribute”, it’s especially tiresome. I’m sure Virgil is rolling in his grave, while I am rolling on the floor, laughing while I see, the funky poses of “Hesperus”… at least his whole persona and costumes is less embarrassing than that of “Morbid” hahaha. But still… thanks for a good laugh.