Maleventum
Opera IX · 2002
54 min · 7 tracks · black metal
A haunting blend of atmospheric melodies and fierce black metal aggression that transports listeners into a dark, mythical realm.
Top tracks — play these first
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Maleventum — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its elaborate arrangements and ominous atmosphere, setting a captivating tone for the entire record.
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Princess of the Ancient — This track showcases intricate guitar work and powerful vocals, illustrating the band's ability to blend melody with ferocity while narrating an ancient tale.
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In the Dark I Found the Reflection of the Hidden Mirrors — A deep exploration of introspection and existential themes, this song features dynamic shifts in tempo and mood that highlight the band's artistic ambition.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends atmospheric melodies with aggressive elements, showcasing strong composition and craft.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a lengthy instrumental track that sets a dark, atmospheric tone before introducing aggressive guitar riffs.
- Each song features dynamic shifts between melodic passages and intense blast beats, creating a sense of tension and release.
- The use of symphonic elements is prominent, with orchestral arrangements layered over traditional black metal instrumentation throughout the record.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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
- immersive dark mythical atmosphere
- extended tracks for deep focus
- haunting melodies with fierce intensity
- reflective moments of eerie calm
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat and fast-paced
- prefer short and catchy tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time Opera IX released Maleventum in 2002, they were already established within the Italian black metal scene, following their previous album, The Black Opera. This record marked a significant evolution in their sound, showcasing a more mature approach to composition and thematic depth as they delved into concepts of mythology and darkness.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Behemoth· Dimmu Borgir· Cradle of Filth
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Maleventum 5:56
- 2 Princess of the Ancient 7:50
- 3 In the Dark I Found the Reflection of the Hidden Mirrors 5:31
- 4 Unearthed Arcana 10:20
- 5 Muscaria 9:04
- 6 Forgotten Gods 7:56
- 7 In the Raven’s Eye 7:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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