I recently re-listened to “Varyags of Miklagaard” by Amon Amarth and was wondering if there’s any close contender that could match their sonic nuances– coincidentally, the album I was assigned to review this time, Ordo Diabolicum by Aran Angmar, I think, passes as a close contender with vibes adjacent to “Varyags of Miklagaard” and all. Aran Angmar might not be a Viking Metal band just like what Amon Amarth is, as they primarily play Black Metal, but on my first listen, I got the impression that Ordo Diabolicum exudes that necromancer-like energy that is almost suitable as a D&D/MMORPG soundtrack– which is a fair point, considering that ancient lores and necromancy happen to be some of the recurring themes incorporated in their songwriting.

Based in multiple locations ranging from Greece, Italy, to the Netherlands, Aran Angmar has left some notable, collaborative track records to note– including the participation of Tore Stjerna (who has previously worked with renowned Black Metal legends such as Mayhem and Watain) in mixing and mastering their 2023 release Atavism & Dying Stars. They also have toured with Gorgoroth several times before– which is yet another milestone to their constantly evolving tapestry of musical career.

This time, on Ordo Diabolicum, the mixing and mastering process was done by Psychon (of Septicflesh fame) at Sound Abuse Production, while the ever-cryptic, occult-themed cover art was done by Stefan Todorovic (of Khaos Diktator Designs fame). In the form of 43-minute Second-wave Black Metal harshness almost equivalent to the menace of periodical storms, they also managed to combine Folk and Atmospheric influences into their primarily Black Metal alignment too on this album. While they retain influences from Nordic Black Metal in terms of musical style just like most Second-wave Black Metal bands do, what’s especially captivating is that it’s not the only influence they implement on their musical style– they are also influenced by the style of Greek black metal, paying homage to one of their origins; making it an eclectic hybrid of Mediterranean-Nordic style Black Metal with an ethereal touch of Folk.

The balance between the atmospheric, fiery blackened riffs and the rather cleaner, softer elements of the songs on Ordo Diabolicum was done just right– in spite of all the dark nuances, there are also clean vocals, choirs, acoustic guitars, and poignant Folk melodies complementing the necromantic darkness– accompanied by a vibrant Hellenic touch as a bold contrast to the overall intensity that this album offers. Overall, this album embodies a significantly evolved and refined version of the sounds that Aran Angmar presents throughout the years– it’s definitely the right kind of sounds for those who are looking for something intense and different; including Second-wave Black Metal that is rooted in multi-cultural influences.

Buy the album here:
https://soulsellerrecords.bandcamp.com/track/ordo-diabolicum

8 / 10
RALKA SKJERSETH
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