After an EP and their strong 2022 debut album Doomed Before Time, the Swedish gentlemen of Scitalis return with Maledictum. In the meantime, they’ve switched drummers—though I can’t quite recall if he was already behind the kit on the previous release.
Just like its two predecessors, this one has also been released through the German label Vendetta, which pretty much guarantees a quality production.
The one who immediately stands out from the first note is drummer W—damn, the way that man caresses his snare is something else. The speed of his rolls is truly inspiring.
After the opener Reborn, we charge forward at the same relentless pace into Suffering, featuring thick, layered guitar walls and A’s icy vocals slicing through them like a hot knife through butter.
With Seven Years ov Blood, the tempo briefly slows down, but the aggression remains just as intense. Rapid tempo shifts dominate, with a dissonant lead guitar taking center stage. A seriously fierce track.
On Trail, we get to enjoy more of W’s craftsmanship—his rapid fills seamlessly link the riffs together, while the guitars form an impenetrable shield wall for us to crash into.
The bass also gets its moment to shine on Burn Before Dawn, grooving playfully through the intro before tearing its way through the track.
Closer Endless Wrath delivers one last migraine attack before bedtime, especially with that bass and drum break in the middle—pure chaos.
With Maledictum, Scitalis delivers a solid album that’s easy on the ears. It’s definitely in line with its predecessor, but there’s clear progression as well.
85/100
Scitalis:
Bandcamp
Instagram
Vendetta Records:
Instagram
Bandcamp
Webstore