Lux Occulta - My Guardian Anger (1999)

This album is “black-death-metal with tons of keys and fun ideas”. That’s the only way I could characterize it since I haven’t yet decided if I like or hate the bloody thing! I’ve sure as hell heard it, tens of times but… Anyway, since it’s got so much of my time and my attention it has got to be really something! I have only one choice now and that is to wait for LUX OCCULTA’s next release. This cd also includes two bonus tracks, obviously from another recording session,( that sound a lot more like “traditional” black metal but still interesting) and some pc stuff that I couldn’t get to see on mine, plus a video clip I didn’t get to see either unfortunately!! The ending track (“Mane-Tekel-Fares”), I must admit, is f***in’ fantastic! Great keys! Lovers of inspired metal, invest…

www.metal-invader.com

A band that has impressed me with every release so far [CoC #18, CoC #29], Lux Occulta did not fail to do so again with _My Guardian Anger_. Starting with an interesting album title and very good front and back cover art, Lux Occulta proceed to constantly challenge you throughout the record with their uncanny blend of aggression, technicality and avant-garde ideas – a bit like what Solefald could have done instead of their disappointing _Neonism_ [CoC #43], but more metal-oriented and with a different sound. Indeed, the sound on _My Guardian Anger_ essentially leans more towards death than black metal elements, compared to the band's past efforts, but the keyboard work, arrangements, sudden rhythmic and contextual changes and musical influences therein defy classification. Very heavy, crushing, driving, and forming such a rapid yet fluid sequence of acute changes, the music just does not allow distraction. Be forewarned that this is a record unlikely to make much sense initially, but things really start finding their places after repeated listens and the massive fluidity, strength and creativity of it all fully surfaces. Challenging and remarkable.

www.chroniclesofchaos.com