Norwegian Morten Veland is well known in gothic metal circles, being the founder of the popular Sirenia and ex. Member of Tristania, a band he co-founded in 1995. Morten now has a new project called Mortemia, blending metal and classical music with striking results. Also unlike his other band Serenia's recordings this time around there is no female lead vocalist. Instead Morten's vocals take their place, backed up by a French choir, a good move as there already is quite a saturated market of female fronted gothic acts, so don't expect to hear another Sirenia.
If not for the choir, Misere Mortem would be a solo album, as Moreton produced, engineered and mixed this release and also took care of all the instruments. On listening to songs like "The Eye Of The Storm" they really highlight what a capable musician Moreton Veland truly is.
The songs on Misere Mortem fall in the mid tempo variety, and the end result is that Mortem has really created a powerful metal album. The performances are terrific and Moreton's dark aggressive vocals blend very well with those of the choir's potent combined contributions. That choir being the first to be heard on "The One I Once Was", Misere Mortem's grand opener, as Morten gives us a taste of what's to come.
In 2009 Epica raised the bar with Design Your Universe, with their blend of gothic metal, and when you experience an album that good it's hard not to compare others to such a stunner. While I wouldn't rate Mortemia's Misere Mortem that highly, as with Sirenia's releases this one has a great combo of quality metal tracks like "The Malice Of Life's Cruel Ways" and "The Wheel Of Fire", so be sure to check it out.
Track list:
1. The One I Once Was
2. The Pain Infernal And The Fall Eternal
3. The Eye Of The Storm
4. The Malice Of Life's Cruel Ways
5. The Wheel Of Fire
6. The Chains That Wield My Mind
7. The New Desire
8. The Vile Bringer Of Self Destructive Thoughts
9. The Candle At The Tunnel's End
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