Dictius Te Necare cover

Released 30 years ago

Dictius Te Necare

Bethlehem · 1996

43 min · 7 tracks · black metal

An unsettling blend of dissonant melodies and aggressive rhythms that embodies the raw, chaotic spirit of black metal.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Die anarchische Befreiung der Augenzeugenreligion — This track features an expansive structure that contrasts melodic passages with intense aggression, encapsulating the album's thematic exploration of religious nihilism.
  • →
    Tagebuch einer Totgeburt — The haunting atmosphere of this song is underscored by its lyrical content, which dives into themes of death and despair, making it a standout representation of the album’s overall tone.
  • →
    Schatten aus der Alexander Welt — Opening the album, this track sets the stage with its sinister riffs and relentless energy, effectively introducing listeners to Bethlehem's unique sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

68 /100
Treeline
Higher than 47% of albums we've rated

The album's complex arrangements and unique vocal delivery contribute to its distinctiveness within black metal.

What we noticed

  • Tracks often shift abruptly in tempo and dynamics, with sudden transitions from chaotic sections to slower, more atmospheric passages.
  • Vocals alternate between harsh screams and spoken word segments, adding to the unsettling atmosphere of the record.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • unsettling sonic explorations of chaos
  • intense moments of raw expression
  • dark themes with haunting melodies
  • cathartic release through aggression

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lighthearted, uplifting music
  • seek smooth and polished sounds

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1996, Dictius Te Necare was Bethlehem's second album, following their debut, Dark Metal. This record solidified their position within the German black metal scene, showcasing a more refined sound while delving deeper into themes of nihilism and existential dread.
Stylistic neighbors
Darkthrone· Burzum· Emperor

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Schatten aus der Alexander Welt 4:26
  • 2 Die anarchische Befreiung der Augenzeugenreligion 9:11
  • 3 Aphel - Die schwarze Schlange 6:40
  • 4 Verheißung - Du Krone des Todeskultes 5:15
  • 5 Verschleierte Irreligiosität 5:40
  • 6 Tagebuch einer Totgeburt 4:29
  • 7 Dorn meiner Allmacht 8:13

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata