Negative Plane - Et In Saecula Saeculorum [The Ajna Offensive - 2007]Though originally released in 2006, then reissued in 2007 “Et In Saecula Saeculorum” feels like it could have been released back in mid to late 80’s with it’s distinctive & highly retro early black metal feel that has very vigorous nods towards the likes of Venom, Celtic Frost & Mercyful Fate. Mixed in with big dollops of: 70’s tinged doomed mettlics, prime evil early Slayer blacked trash-outs, and wondering bass meets horror film organ lined 70’s slightly psychedelic metal work-outs. So through clearly Negative Plane's sound is a mixture of all manner of past and blacked metal bands; “Et In Saecula Saeculorum” mangers to be inviting, inventive and damn good blacked retro fun from beginning to end. With each of the seven songs on offer here keeping mainly to a mid-paced speed through-out, though each track nicely switches into moments of more speeding garage like cymbal crash ‘n’ riff, or doomed horror-lined chug outs and all manner of blackly tinged metallic fun & grim frolics. Hell even the production sounds very 80’s and 70’s in it’s often tiny/blackly stripped feel which really adds to its authenticity and atmosphere. Sure “Et In Saecula Saeculorum” certainly won’t light your world on fire with either mould breaking ideas or changeling musical concepts, but if like me you were a metal loving teenage in the mid to late 80’s, and enjoyed more nasty/ blacked fare then this album will bring a big smile to your face & make your blacked heart soar. Roger Batty
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