Laracna - Nec Spe Nec Metu (2021)
Brazil
Independent
Laracna are a one-person black metal project from Cascavel, Brazil, unleashing their first release in nearly a decade. Formed in 2009, and having released their last demo in 2012, “Nec Spe Nec Metu” is the project’s third release, and definitely a monster of an EP.
The first thing I’d like to note here that the drums are programmed on this album, they're somewhat noticeable, but sound decent enough for the genre. Production is clear, without taking away from the necessary genre-defining atmosphere that must be present in black metal. The lower ranged black metal vocals most definitely remind me of Deathspell Omega or Behexen. I definitely cannot say the same for the riffing and over all sound writing. “Nec Spe Nec Metu” clocking in at around 16 minutes, definitely has a unique and ever changing sound throughout. The writer here appears to have a diverse set of musical influences in which they have blended together to create this disgustingly unique release. You will find riffs that reminice of early Craft, Burzum and even doomy segments like the beginning of “Deo Tacita”, which almost sound like early Katatonia. There is even a riff around 30 seconds into “Guillotine” that reminds me of Bathory’s “Return” album.
Overall, Nec Spe Nec Metu shows that Laracna have a lot of promise as a musical project. A lot in terms of songwriting and diveristy of song writing is brought to the table. The guitar tone is nice and bright, and compliments the dissonance of the riffs. An EP absolutely worth checking out. (AR)