Band's List Pagan Black Mordaehoth Solis Sacerdotibus

Most people will know Mordaehoth as a one man project but this wasn't always so. When formed in `95 Mordaehoth had four members.Draugluin [later knowm as Sigwyrd] handling vocals and guitar, Imortarian on second guitar, Hrodwitnir on bass and last but not least second veteran member Fearuin who would later call himself Wehrwolf.

In this line up the first assault "Solis Sacerdotibus" [only for the initiated] was recorded. And initiated into the black metal cult you must be to enjoy this harsh piece of blackend pagan metal. The poor sound quality really is something you have to get past to enjoy the music. The quality sometimes reminds me of Graveland's "In the glare..." but in a less fitting way. However the music is definitely worth the attention.

"Solis..." was also released as a split demo with Draugluin ambient project Sullen but as I do not own this version i'll stick to the first edition.

The intro bursts out in a neo classical piece. Very bombastic, it really builds up well to the climax at the ending. Then the band hits off with the first song "visions of my dark millenium to come." This varied track is mostly played in a mid tempo pace which really keeps my head bouncing. Just over the middle, the track elapses into a really cool thrash riff followed by a more folkish inspired riff and then closes with the first riff again. The first time evident Graveland influences can be heard is on the second track "Through the forest of my subconsciousness." The same folkish drum pace which is used on the 1000 swords album, this musical influence will be something characteristic throughout the future work of Mordaehoth though they manage to create a sound that is not a mere copy but more a revised version they've made their own.

It would take too long to go into all tracks in depth but it suffices to say that this tape holds a unique atmosphere and each track is interesting in it's own way. "Witches Chant" is an up tempo folk metal track with clear vocals, short but sweet. "Beyond the gates of dragonwings" is the track with most blasting part combined with yet again clear sung folk metal parts. I like the aggressiveness in the fast parts, you can really hear they are giving it their most as near the end the drummer is out on his last breath nearly going out of pace.
The outro just as the intro is very bombastic but here instead of the upbeat tone there is a more sad, forlorn atmosphere.

Not everybody might be aware of the hidden track which is a nice cover of "Through the occult veil" which yet again confirms Mordaehoth's liking to Graveland.

Packaging looks fine, nice b/w sleeve, a drawing of some kind of sacrificial rite on the cover and on the inside a cool band pic old fashioned the way it should be; spikes, paint, robes, swords and a misty forest to top it all off. Well if that isn't enough I don't know what is. This is where it all began folks. The start of one Hollands most interesting pagan metal bands.